HomeHomeCoronavirus Disease 2019

COVID-19 Banner

Tinker #GetVaccinated Banner

Current Air Force Information: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/

CURRENT SITUATION

May 21, 2021, Tinker AFB is in Health Protection Condition ALPHA.

  • Mask wear is no longer mandatory for those who are fully vaccinated. Non-vaccinated must wear masks in all facilities.

NOTE: Your workcenter may have different masking policies. All commanders in units retain the right to be more restrictive and require 100% mask wear as they balance easing restrictions with risk to mission. Mask wear is mandatory in facilities such as the 72nd Medical Group and Child Development Centers/Youth Programs.

  • Dining establishments are no longer required to reduce occupancy or space seating. (Non-vaccinated personnel must wear masks unless actively eating/drinking)
  • All MWR and customer services will be open for appointments and offer designated walk-in hours for a portion of each week.
  • Telework and shift-splitting to reduce exposure remains highly encouraged.
  • The installation Virtual Emergency Operations Center (V-EOC) is deactivated.

May 17, 2021: NEW MASK GUIDELINES FOR VACCINATED PERSONS (PDF)

  • In support of updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines released May 13, 2021, subject to any applicable labor relations obligations, fully vaccinated DOD personnel (who are at least two weeks beyond their final dose) are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors at DOD facilities. All DOD personnel should continue to comply with CDC guidance regarding where masks should be worn, including within airports. Personnel who are not fully vaccinated should continue to follow applicable DOD mask guidance, including continuing to wear masks indoors. The Department will review and revise all applicable Force Health Protection guidance to address the new CDC guidelines.
  • All Commissary patrons must possess a valid ID Card, with exception of disabled veterans/retirees needing visitor assistance to shop.

  • Installation public gathering policy has been updated with additional mitigations.
  • Base Fitness Centers are open to all qualified users. See tinkerliving.com for facility availability and current hours.
  • ​The Trusted Traveler program is suspended; the Visitor Control Center is open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The VCC can be reached at (405)-734-5191.
  • Active duty members who are classified as “contacts” of COVID-19 positive patients will be placed on quarters in Aeromedical Services Information System.
  • At Child Development Centers, parents/guardians will continue to be denied entry, will drop children at the entry control point, and children will be screened and temperature checked.
     
  • FTAC, NEO, ALS and other training/orientations must be social distanced and in accordance with June 1, 2020 Installation Public gathering memorandum.
     
  • All customer service points on the installation should install Plexiglas barriers, if not already accomplished.  Call (405) 734-3117 to initiate a work order.
  • Practice strict hygiene measures such as frequently washing and/or sanitizing hands; wiping common-use items with disinfectant; covering mouths and noses with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing; and staying home when sick.
  • Practice social distancing and refrain from physical contact such as hand shaking, fist bumps, etc.

Previous installation-specific travel guidance (20 May 20-Military Restricted Movement Guidance; 4 Jun 20-Civilian Travel Guidance During COVID-19 Pandemic are both rescinded. All installation members will now adhere to SECDEF and Air Force conditions-based travel guidance. Refer to https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/ for the most current list of unrestricted states and countries for travel.

VACCINE CLINICS: May 27 & June 10, 11 - Open to Anyone with Base Access 18+

COVID Vaccination Clinic Graphic(Click graphic for larger version)

The 72nd Medical Group has partnered with the Oklahoma City County Health Department to do mass COVID vaccination clinics on May 21 & 27, for FIRST DOSE of Moderna. The clinic will be open on the following dates/times at Bldg. 1094 (the base medical treatment facility).

May 27: 8-9:45 a.m.
June 10: 2:30-3:15 p.m.
June 11: 2:30-3:15 p.m.

Anyone 18 and older with base access is eligible to be vaccinated. Due to the partnering with the local county, the DoD vaccination schema is not being followed and DoD forms are not required.

There is are a large volume of vaccines available to reach military, military dependents, civilians, contractors, retirees and anyone else with base access and I.D. 

To sign up for an appointment, visit https://covidvaccinesignup.timetap.com You may need to use a non-DOD computer and follow instructions on site to sign up. For questions or assistance call the 72nd MDG COVID support line at 405-582-6297Walk-ins are welcome however priority will be given to people with appointments first.

For fastest service, please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your appointment time and bring pages 1 and 3 (completed) of the COVID Vaccine Consent Packet (Fillable PDF).

For more information on base access, gate entry and location, see the Tinker Gate & Hours Map (PDF).

 

How To Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 Vaccine Schema Chart(Click chart to view larger version)

Tinker has been receiving regular, but low vaccination supply. Our first responders and mission essential personnel have been prioritized first with vaccinations. We are working on partnerships with the state and local communities to reach a greater amount of the Tinker community and will update, as necessary. Base personnel are encouraged to seek vaccination opportunities throughout the Oklahoma area.

Vaccination Location & Registration Sites:

https://vaccinate.oklahoma.gov

https://www.oklahoma.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

https://www.vaxokc.com

https://www.vaccines.gov

https://portal.immylabs.com/vaccine

https://www.mercy.net/forms/vaccinations/

Please note: this is not a complete list of the opportunities available in the local area.

External Link Disclaimer Policy
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Tinker Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Web site, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations or the privacy and user policies of these locations.  Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the Web site. References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of Defense or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.

Vaccine FAQs

COVID-19 Vaccine Banner

FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccine

Q1. Will vaccines be available at Tinker? When will they be available?
A1. The vaccine is being distributed on base as received. DoD initially expects limited quantity and a phased delivery of COVID-19 vaccine following FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

Q2. Who will be the first to get the vaccine?
A2. Vaccination distribution prioritization will focus on those providing direct medical care, maintaining essential national security and installation functions, deploying forces, and those at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19, before other members of the DoD population. The DoD Population Schema, located at the link below, lists the order in which vaccines will be distributed based on priority.
https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Vaccine-Availability

Q3. I’m a retiree/spouse/dependent, can I get the vaccine at the Tinker Clinic?
A3. Retirees and other qualified DoD beneficiaries will be able to receive the vaccine. This will occur once supply availability and the appropriate level of prioritization is reached. Notification will be made through public messaging at that time.

Q4. How do I sign up to get on the vaccination list?
A4. Once the appropriate prioritization level is reached, notification will be made through public messaging.

Q5. How will I know when it is my turn/how are notifications being made?
A5. Notification of vaccine’s availability will be made through the chain of command, or through public messaging, once the appropriate prioritization level is reached. The DoD Population Schema, located at the link below, lists the order in which vaccines will be distributed based on priority.
https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Vaccine-Availability

Q6. Are you accepting walk-ins for the COVID-19 vaccine?
A6. Walk-ins are not being accepted for the COVID-19 vaccine. The Tinker Clinic is providing vaccinations based on the DoD Population Schema, located at the link below. It lists the order in which vaccines will be distributed based on priority. This plan is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the Tinker Clinic may on select dates hold vaccination clinics where walk-ins are welcome. Check back with this page for schedule updates.
https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Vaccine-Availability

Q7. Will the DoD require all service members to receive the vaccine?A7. No. The vaccine is being offered on a voluntary basis. Priority populations are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine. When formally licensed by the FDA, the DoD may require a vaccine for military personnel or personnel in specific fields, as is the case for the influenza vaccine.

Q8. Which Select Reserve and National Guard personnel will receive the vaccine?
A8. Selected Reserve personnel include drilling members of the Federal Reserve and National Guard. Selected Reserve personnel on orders for more than 30 days are included in the active component.

Q9. Will we still need to wear masks and practice physical distancing once a vaccine is available?
A9. Yes. The intent of the vaccine is to prevent the spread of COVID 19. We will still need to wear cloth face covings and practice physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Additionally, we will not have enough vaccine initially to vaccinate everyone who wants the vaccine and COVID-19 pandemic risks will continue. We will continue to recommend wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, for everyone, until pandemic risk of COVID-19 is substantially reduced.

Q10. How important is it to get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available?
A10. People who are offered the first-available vaccine are considered to be in groups that are most in need of COVID-19 protection. Vaccinated people will be protecting themselves, as well as their families and all people with whom they interact. Evaluation of the first-available vaccine will continue, even after its pre-licensure release. The release of other vaccines cannot be fully predicted, so people who are offered the first-available vaccine will be encouraged to receive this vaccine.

Q11: How long will protection last following vaccination?
A11. We do not know how long protection will last following vaccination but it will be critically important to measure long-term protection (at least two years) in the phase 3 trials and in other groups prioritized for early vaccination. We are still learning about the duration of protection following infection with COVID-19 and it is too early to tell how long protection will last.

Q12. Can someone get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
A12. No, it is not possible to get COVID-19 from vaccines. Vaccines against COVID-19 use inactivated virus, parts of the virus, or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause the coronavirus.

Below is an excerpt from the CDC describing how current COVID-19 vaccines operate. View the full page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the "spike protein." The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the instructions (mRNA) are inside the immune cells, the cells use them to make the protein piece. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.

Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune systems recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies, like what happens in natural infection against COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is those vaccinated gain this protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

It is important to note that you can still contract COVID-19, but will now have the antibodies to fight it off, to not get sick. Additionally, it is not known how long the vaccine is effective. This is why it is important to keep wearing masks, washing hands and practicing physical distancing.

Q13. Should children get the vaccine?
A13. Children age 12-15 can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization. Other age groups have not been approved at this time.

Q14. How does the vaccine work?
A14. Manufacturers have different science behind their vaccines. Most mimic COVID symptoms, allowing the body to build antibodies. You can find further information on the vaccine manufacturers' websites.

Q15. Will the vaccine require multiple shots?
A15. Yes. Depending on the type of vaccine received, there will be an initial shot followed three to four weeks later with a second shot. Vaccines from different manufacturers are NOT interchangeable; it is important that people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine return for their second shot at the appropriate time.

Q16. Will Tinker be offering vaccines to DoD contractors?
A16. COVID-19 vaccines may be offered to, and administered at DoD vaccination sites for contractors directly supporting the DoD on DoD installations when available and prioritization level is reached, subject to the terms of their contract.

Q17. Where can Tinker personnel get more information on COVID-19 vaccines?
A17. The latest information on COVID-19 vaccines as well as the latest Health Protection Conditions, Declarations of Public Health Emergency, COVID testing information and a list of resources can be found on the Tinker web page at https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/

Q18. What are our civilian counterparts doing to aid in vaccination?
A18. The Oklahoma State Department of Health has a website where people can register for upcoming vaccine clinics and present their level of need (age, essential worker status, comorbidities, etc.). Visit https://vaccinate.oklahoma.gov to register. Additional Oklahoma information can be found at https://oklahoma.gov/covid19.html

Q19. I have questions not addressed in this FAQ.
A19. If you have additional questions, please call the 72nd Medical Group at 405-582-6009 during regular business hours.
To minimize call volume on clinic staff, please do not call until you have read through this FAQ. Your question might already be answered.

overview

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a rapidly changing situation.  The two included attachments from the CDC will provide you with general information on what you need to know about COVID-19 and how to stop the spread of germs. In addition to these measures, it is important to stay informed on travel recommendations and restrictions. For travelers returning from overseas areas, home monitoring, quarantine, and/or isolation are NOT currently recommended by the CDC; except for travelers returning from Level 2 or Level 3 countries. For travelers returning from Level 3 countries within the past 14 days who also have symptoms of cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please seek medical care. For individuals, including health care workers, who have had close contact with a known case of COVID-19 within the past 14 days, please seek medical care. Call ahead of your medical visit for instructions and to notify the medical team of recent travel or close contact to a known case of COVID-19.

These recommendations may change in the near future, and we will continue to update recommendations IAW guidance from the CDC, OSDH and DOD.  We will provide updates as necessary. If you have any Tinker AFB questions concerning the novel coronavirus, contact Tinker's COVID-19 Hotline: 405-582-6297

Positive COVID-19 Reporting Instructions

As of Dec. 3, 2020, the COVID-19 screening questionnaire or presumptive screening are no longer required.

To help the Public Health Flight streamline the process, the below instructions will be followed.

If a member receives a POSITIVE COVID-19 test result, send an email to the following email org box: usaf.tinker.72-mdg.mbx.72-mdg-sgpm-public-health@mail.mil

• Title of the email: REPORTING

• Body of email: Individual’s name and a good contact number as well as their supervisor’s name and contact number.

Public Health will conduct their interview as normal. Any other unit channeling/processes should remain the same.

Free COVID Testing

Oklahoma County

Oklahoma City-County Health Dept:

  • 2 testing sites
  • By appointment only
  • 405-425-4489
  • 7 to 10 days for results
  • Must file an ROI to get test results

Oklahoma State Health Department

  • 405-271-7774
  • By appointment only
  • Will send an email with an embedded bar code to be presented
  • Must have ID, must wear a mask, and only person being tested may be in vehicle
  • 3 to 8 business days to receive results
  • Must file an ROI to get test results
  • OSDH will send an email

Canadian County

  • Free of charge COVID-19 testing
  • Drive thru testing
  • No PPE required
  • No cap on how many individuals can be in the vehicle
  • Test turnaround for results is about 48 hrs
  • Two testing location El Reno and Yukon
  • Must make an appointment by calling 405-262-0042 to get tested because there is a limit of tests per day.

Cleveland County

  • Free of charge COVID-19 testing
  • Drive thru testing
  • No PPE required
  • No cap on how many individuals can be in the vehicle
  • For essential workers test  turnaround is 3-4 days
  • For non-essential test result turnaround is roughly 7 days
  • Must call 405-321-4048 ext. 409 or 410 to make appointment for COVID testing

Frequently Asked Questions

CLOSURES/FACILITY UPDATES

Latest News

RSS

PROTECT YOURSELF

CDC Recommends

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.