Coronavirus Disease 2019

Team Tinker,

After reviewing the data trends for cases per 100,000, new COVID admissions per 100,000, percentage of staffed beds in use by patients with COVID for Oklahoma County and consulting with Public Health, the Installation Commander has made the decision to move the installation into HPCON ALPHA as of 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 30, 2022.

On Base Vaccinations: The 72nd Medical Group offers Pfizer vaccinations in the Immunization Clinic (7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.), and are open to anyone with base access. Boosters are available Mondays and Fridays, primary series are available five days per week, and pediatric series (for ages under 11) available Wednesday mornings. For questions or assistance call the 72nd MDG Immunization Clinic at 405-582-6521.

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 Traffic, Weather & Construction Info page.

Off Base Vaccination Location & Registration Sites:

https://www.vaxokc.com

https://www.vaccines.gov

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

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

(Air Force Link Disclaimer)

Policies for Positive Cases and Close Contacts, Isolation / Quarantine

COVID-19 Guidance and Recommendations for Positive Cases and Close Contacts, Quarantine and Isolation (PDF)

Testing for COVID-19 (if symptomatic for less than 72 hours)
Visit the 72nd Medical Group Warrior Clinic from 8-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m., Mon.-Fri., except training days
Note: For flyers and those empaneled to Flight Medicine, report to Sick Call Monday-Friday, 7-10 a.m.

Testing for COVID-19 (if symptomatic for MORE than 72 hours)
Call the 72nd MDG Appointment Line at 405-734-2778 to make an appointment.

For SERVICE MEMBERS with a positive COVID-19 Test (Home Test or Laboratory Confirmed Test):
Call the 72nd MDG Appointment Line at 405-734-2778 to arrange for quarters. Use the above guide for specific guidance on isolation.

Please continue to report laboratory confirmed positive test results to Public Health using this reporting form (Fillable PDF) and sending it to:
usaf.tinker.72-mdg.mbx.72-mdg-sgpm-public-health@health.mil

FAQs
I’m a retiree/spouse/dependent, can I get the vaccine at the Tinker Clinic?
YES! All DOD ID Card holders can get vaccinated through the Tinker Clinic.

Can someone get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
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.

How does the vaccine work?
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.

Where can Tinker personnel get more information on COVID-19 vaccines?
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 here on the Tinker coronavirus web page.

What are our civilian counterparts doing to aid in vaccination?
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

How do I address COVID-19-related questions on overseas travel, TDY, leave, civilian / contractor issues?
Most questions are addressed in the consolidated guidance listed above. Additional questions should be addressed to your supervisor/leadership or the appropriate office. The 72nd MDG cannot answer these questions.

I have questions not addressed in this FAQ.
If you have additional questions, please call the 72nd Medical Group Public Health Flight at 405-582-6542 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.

Resources & Documents

HPCON ALPHA Declared (Current As Of Sep. 30, 2022)

Vaccination Opportunities

What to do if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19

FAQs

COVID Testing Locations

Resources & Documents