R 161611Z AUG 12

ALCOAST 377/12
COMDTNOTE 6010
SUBJ: 2012-2013 SEASONAL INFLUENZA (FLU) IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM
A. Civilian Employee Health Care and Occupational Health Program,
COMDTINST M12792.3 (series)
B. Immunizations and Chemoprophylaxis, COMDTINST M6230.4 (series)
1.  The annual seasonal flu vaccine is mandatory for all Coast Guard
(CG) active duty (AD) and selected reserve (SELRES) personnel to
ensure CG force medical readiness and avoid disruption of CG
missions.  The seasonal flu vaccine is also mandatory for CG child
development center personnel and CG civilian, contract, and auxiliary
healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care in CG clinics.
The annual flu vaccine is optional for recreation assistants and
aides for youth programs at Borinquen, Cape Cod, Kodiak, and
Petaluma.
2.  Commanding Officers are responsible for ensuring personnel
immunization readiness, including the seasonal flu vaccine.  One
immunization will protect against three strains of flu.  CG personnel
may receive the flu immunization as supplies become available.  CG
personnel shall achieve 100 percent compliance NLT 17 December 2012.
3.  Seasonal flu immunization for the AD and SELRES personnel shall
be entered into the Medical Readiness Reporting System (MRRS).
Exemptions to the immunization may be considered in accordance with
Refs (A) and (B).
4.  There are two seasonal flu vaccine options:
   a. Nasal Spray (FLUMIST) or
   b. Injectable
5.  FLUMIST can be used for individuals aged 2-49 years who have no
medical contraindications.  Discuss your medical history with your
primary care manager (PCM) to determine the best vaccine choice for
you.  FLUMIST is not authorized for personnel on active flight or
diving status.
6.  Eligibility: AD and SELRES Personnel, deploying civilian
personnel, civilian healthcare personnel providing direct patient
care in CG clinics, and child development center personnel are the
highest priority groups.  Other DEERS-Eligible beneficiaries deemed
high risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are
the next highest priority.  Once these populations are immunized,
clinics may offer the flu vaccine to all other beneficiaries and then
all CG civilian employees as supplies allow.  Contract healthcare and
CG child development center personnel will receive the flu vaccine in
accordance with the terms of their contract.
7.  It is preferred that AD and SELRES personnel receive their
vaccine at a CG clinic/sickbay.  However, seasonal flu vaccines are
available for eligible TRICARE beneficiaries by any TRICARE
authorized provider through one of the network pharmacies that
participates in the vaccination program at no cost to the member.  To
locate a participating pharmacy visit:
http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE or call 1-877-363-1303 (Option
number 5). AD and SELRES personnel who choose to obtain their
seasonal flu vaccine through this avenue must obtain flu vaccine
immunization documentation (with vaccine type, lot number, and date
administered) at the time of the immunization and forward to their
respective CG medical readiness POC in a timely manner for
documentation into MRRS.
8.  Taking simple daily precautions can help prevent illness and
transmission of seasonal flu.  Cover your cough or sneeze, practice
good hygiene by washing hands often and using alcohol-based hand
sanitizer, and using disinfectant wipes to clean your work area.  For
more information on seasonal influenza and preventive measures, go to
the CDC website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/FLU.
9.  POC: CDR John Hariadi (HSWL SC), 757-628-4331
Email: John.Hariadi(AT)USCG.MIL
LCDR Robert Pekari (CG-1121), 202-475-5183
Email: Robert.M.Pekari(AT)USCG.MIL.
10.  RADM Maura K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety, and
Work-Life, sends.
11. Internet release authorized.