UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 211525Z SEP 20 MID510001736816U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 261/20 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC// SUBJ/2020-2021 NAVY INFLUENZA VACCINATION AND REPORTING POLICY// REF/A/DOC/DHA-PI/6025.34// REF/B/DOC/DODI/6025.02/23JUL2019// REF/C/DOC/32 CFR PART 199.21/1DEC2016// NARR/REF A IS THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTION 6025.34 GUIDANCE FOR THE DOD INFLUENZA VACCINATION PROGRAM (IVP). REF B IS THE DODI 6025.02 INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL READINESS ADDRESSING RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING AND ON INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL READINESS. REF C IS 32 CFR PART 199.21, CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES (CHAMPUS)/TRICARE: TRICARE PHARMACY BENEFITS PROGRAM.// POC/LCDR MATTHEW HALL/BUMED M4/(703) 681-9120/EMAIL: MATTHEW.T.HALL24.MIL(AT)MAIL.MIL// RMKS/1. Influenza or "flu" has the potential to adversely impact Navy force readiness and mission execution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes it is likely that influenza viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will be circulating this coming fall and winter. In this context, getting an influenza vaccination will be more important than ever. 2. Influenza Vaccination and Reporting a. Influenza Disease Prevention. Vaccination is the primary method to reduce the risk of influenza by enhancing force immunity. Maintaining a clean work environment, practicing good hygiene, and managing workforce exposure (e.g., social distancing, teleworking, and sick leave) are effective methods to reduce the risk of spreading influenza. b. Influenza Vaccine. Two influenza vaccines, Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH), are available based on service member location and timing requirements, as described in reference (a). The 2020-2021 Department of Defense (DoD) influenza vaccine supply will be comprised of injectable vaccines. Intranasal vaccine will not be provided through the central ordering process. c. Influenza Vaccine Priority. U.S. Navy ships, operational assets, and training commands have been identified by the DoD and the Department of the Navy (DON) as vaccine priority groups for the 2020-2021 influenza season. d. Influenza Vaccine Ordering. The DON influenza vaccine is centrally funded. The Vaccine Information and Logistics System (VIALS) is the online requisition system for the seasonal influenza vaccine. VIALS electronically tracks requisitioned vaccine via Military Standard Requisitioning and Issuing Procedure (MILSTRIP) from requisition to receipt. The VIALS Web site is common access card enabled: https://gov_only.nmlc.med.navy.mil/int_code03/vials/. e. The Naval Medical Logistics Command (NAVMEDLOGCOM) is responsible for ordering and distributing influenza vaccine for all Navy and Marine Corps activities. Additional quantities required and/or changes in submitted orders must be coordinated with the NAVMEDLOGCOM Influenza Vaccine Manager, DSN: (312) 343-8054 or the Vaccine Information and Logistics System (VIALS) helpdesk at: usn.detrick.navmedlogcomftdmd.list.vialhelp(AT)mail.mil. f. Influenza Vaccine Shipping. All commands will verify their correct shipping address and point of contact information in VIALS to ensure prompt delivery. g. Influenza Vaccine Integrity. (Temperature Monitors). All Influenza vaccine shipments include temperature monitors. All monitors must be returned to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Medical (DLA-TSM) cold chain office after receipt, per the included instructions and shipping materials, and must comply with the following guidance regarding use of those doses: (1) No Alarm Status. The doses are ready for immediate use. (2) Alarmed Status. Do not administer those doses. Segregate them in an appropriate vaccine storage refrigerator, clearly label "DO NOT USE," immediately return temperature monitor to DLA-TSM, and await DLAs disposition of those doses. h. Influenza Vaccine Exercise (1) During previous influenza seasons, exercises have been used to evaluate mass vaccination scenarios while accomplishing vaccine distribution. These coordinated mass vaccination campaigns provide rapid and efficient vaccinations to protect the maximum number of susceptible persons. Process improvements are made to delivery and reporting procedures based on lessons learned. Ensure masking, social distancing, group size limitations, and other appropriate precautions during any mass vaccination exercises, if undertaken. The Seasonal Influenza Resource Center 2020-21 available via https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Immunization - Healthcare/Vaccine-Preventable-Diseases/Influenza-Seasonal/Influenza- Resource-Center contains different resources for the 2020-21 influenza season. (2) Installations and Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) may also consider using the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) to conduct a Pandemic Influenza response exercise in conjunction with the seasonal influenza vaccine program. (3) Vaccine Delivery. Due to vaccine demand and manufacturer limitations, complete vaccine delivery may not occur until mid- November. This delay will unintentionally test the ability to conduct rapid and complete mass vaccination exercises. i. Influenza Vaccination Compliance (1) Navy Military Personnel. The seasonal influenza vaccination is mandatory for all DoD uniformed personnel who are not medically or administratively exempt, per references (a) and (b). Any refusal to receive the influenza vaccine will constitute a failure to obey a lawful order and may be punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and/or result in administrative action. Prior to receiving the influenza vaccine, Navy Active and Reserve Component personnel will have access to healthcare providers to address questions or concerns with influenza vaccination. Commands must consult with the servicing Staff Judge Advocate General and cognizant Preventive Medicine authority for additional guidance on influenza vaccination non-compliance. (2) Navy Civilian Personnel. Influenza vaccination is required for all civilian healthcare personnel, per reference (a), and is strongly encouraged for all other Navy civilian employees. (3) TRICARE Beneficiaries. Reference (c) authorizes retail network pharmacies to administer the seasonal influenza vaccine. TRICARE beneficiaries may receive influenza vaccinations with no co-pay at authorized retail network pharmacies. Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the pharmacy regarding age restrictions as some pharmacies do not administer the influenza vaccine to individuals younger than 18 years of age. j. Influenza Vaccination Reporting. All influenza vaccinations of Service Members shall be documented in the Medical Readiness Reporting System (MRRS) as well as the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Active and Reserve Component Navy influenza vaccination administration will be monitored via MRRS. Designated command personnel will access MRRS to track their personnel to ensure compliance. Civilian vaccination administration compliance will be monitored and tracked via AHLTA and/or other electronic tracking. (1) Shore-based commands will request access to MRRS based on their unit identification code by submitting a system access authorization request available at: //mrrs.dc3n.navy.mil/mrrs (note: MRRS Web address is case sensitive). Point of contact: MRRS program office and e-mail: mill_mrrs(AT)navy.mil (800) 537-4617/(504) 697-7070/DSN: (312) 647-7070. (2) Commands must ensure documentation of influenza vaccine administration is coded to accurately reflect the type of vaccine given. (3) Afloat units will enter influenza immunizations into the Shipboard Automated Medical System (SAMS) or the Theater Medical Information Program Maritime (TMIP-M). (4) All personnel who receive the vaccination from a retail network pharmacy must provide documentation of vaccination no later than the next work day (or next drill day for Reserve personnel) to ensure compliance is appropriately recorded in MRRS and the EHR. k. Influenza Vaccination Timeline (1) Due to the risk of infection transmission within the unit and impact on operations, it is imperative that the vaccine be given with as minimal delay as possible. Active duty operational units have 72 hours (three work days) following receipt of the vaccine to administer and document vaccination. The 72-hour requirement begins immediately only if the temperature monitor is in "no alarm" status upon receipt; if in "alarmed" status the timed requirement begins once / if the vaccine is cleared for use by DLA-TSM. If the 72-hour requirement cannot be met, unit situation reports will be submitted to the respective Immediate Superior in Command and Type Commanders. Situation reports are not required if the temperature monitor is in alarmed status and the unit is awaiting disposition from DLA-TSM. (2) As Reserve Component Command schedules vary, NAVMEDLOGCOM and DLA -TSM will coordinate to make every effort for the vaccine to arrive the week of a drill weekend. Units have one drill weekend following receipt of the vaccine to administer and document vaccination if the temperature monitor is in a "no alarm" status. If in "alarmed" status, the timed requirement begins once/if the vaccine is cleared for use by DLA-TSM. l. Navy Goals and Performance Standards (1) To ensure force medical readiness before peak influenza season, all Navy operational units and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands and Units (NMRTC/Us) will administer the 2020-2021 influenza vaccination to exceed the 90 percent vaccination goal by 15 December 2020 for Active and Reserve Components. Complete vaccine access will be provided for the entire Navy family (including dependents, other beneficiaries, and DON civilians). Active coordination between command leadership, public affairs officers, and medical personnel is necessary to achieve success. (2) Influenza Vaccination Performance Standards. The following goals will be monitored: (a) Navy VIALS reports 100 percent of shipped vaccine received onboard by fleet and Navy units by 1 December 2020. (b) MRRS reports 90 percent of Active and Reserve Component vaccinated by 15 December 2020. Commands will coordinate with the servicing MTF to align command-wide vaccinations with Navy vaccination goals. Medical personnel at servicing MTFs will promptly report vaccinations in MRRS. m. Vaccine administration and COVID-19 (1) The COVID-19 pandemic is not a contraindication for administration of the influenza vaccination and every effort should be made to deliver the vaccine as quickly as possible to eligible Service members. (2) If a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine becomes available during the seasonal influenza vaccination period, commands will follow instructions from BUMED, supporting MTFs, and NMRTC/Us. Expect promulgation of further guidance via NAVADMIN if a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is approved and purchased by DoD. 3. Released by Mr. Andrew S. Haeuptle, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//