Current Air Force Information: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/
On Aug. 24, the Secretary of Defense published an order requiring mandatory vaccination against Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for all members of the Armed Forces under DoD authority on Active Duty or in the Ready Reserve, including the National Guard. Subsequently, on Sept. 3, the Secretary of the Air Force ordered all Active Duty or in the Ready Reserve, including the National Guard to be fully vaccinated (2 weeks following completion of the vaccine series) no later than Nov. 2. Alternatively, service members can provide proof of vaccinations received at an alternate location to the 72 MDG by contacting Public Health at usaf.tinker.72-mdg.mbx.72-mdg-sgpm-public-health@mail.mil
Airmen with questions are able to consult with their healthcare provider or chaplain to address questions or concerns with the vaccine.
Additionally, Airmen have the option to apply for medical or administrative exemption, including religious accommodations, by reaching out to their commander. The process for obtaining exemptions for all mandatory vaccinations is provided in AFI 48-110_IP, Immunizations and Chemoprophylaxis for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases, for medical exemptions, and DAFI 52-201, Religious Freedom in the Department of the Air Force, for religious accommodations.
Any refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, absent an approved exemption or accommodation, may be punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Team Tinker Personnel — Tinker AFB has been elevated to Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Bravo. This action is in direct correlation to the rise of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant, speed it transmits through a given population, and lack of available hospital bed space. For Team Tinker, my primary focus is the health, safety, and well-being of all personnel and their families so we can accomplish our wartime mission each and every day. While we have made great strides in this fight against COVID-19, we must remain dedicated, vigilant, and flexible. -Col. G. Hall Sebren, Jr., Installation Commander, Tinker AFB
The full memorandum can be read here: HPCON Bravo Declaration - 12 Aug 21 (PDF)
The following mitigation measures are directed to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
A. MASK WEAR REQUIREMENTS: Masks and/or facial coverings must fit snugly to the face to cover both the nose and mouth and conform to all current guidance from the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). B. DINING: Patrons may eat in dining facilities, MWR facilities, break rooms, and workspaces with members of their same household (dorm suite mates are considered members of the same household), and/or at least six feet away from individuals from a different household. C. FITNESS CENTERS: Will remain open provided all patrons wear masks IAW this policy and posted regulations and procedures. D. MASS GATHERINGS: All unit commanders must obtain a risk assessment from Tinker AFB Public Health prior to holding any gathering with more than 50 individuals.
Team Tinker Personnel — Effective as of July 28, 2021, in areas of substantial or high community COVID transmission, the Deputy Secretary of Defense has directed that all Service members, Federal employees, onsite contractor employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, MUST wear a mask indoors on installations and in other facilities owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the DoD.
IAW the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, the Tinker Air Force Base community is currently categorized as a high community transmission location. Effective immediately, indoor mask wear is mandatory regardless of vaccination status.
To read the entire DepSecDef memo and more information on Tinker COVID precautions visit here: Updated Mask Guidelines For All DOD Installations and Other Facilities (PDF) (July 28, 2021)
Please continue to remain vigilant, stay healthy and I encourage all Team Tinker teammates to work with your medical provider to determine if vaccination is right for you.
Thank you, Col. G. Hall Sebren Jr. Installation Commander, Tinker Air Force Base
The COVID-19 Delta variant has spread across the world and is now the predominant variant in the United States. It is another vital reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Compared to other variants, the Delta variant is more transmissible. Because of its highly transmissible nature, unvaccinated individuals are more likely to have severe disease and be hospitalized. A lot of people may be thinking they have come a long way without getting COVID-19 and are fine to avoid the shot. However, the Delta variant’s high viral load, its extremely transmissible and infectious nature are causing severe disease and deaths in those who are unvaccinated. Those who have had COVID disease are still recommended to receive the vaccine, as the duration of natural immunity isn’t known.
Delta Variant Factsheet (PDF) (July 14, 2021)
On Base Vaccination
Tinker AFB COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: In ongoing support of COVID -19 vaccinations, the 72nd Medical Group offers the Pfizer and Moderna formulations in the immunization clinic. Appointments can be made at https://covidvaccinesignup.timetap.com. Vaccinations are open to anyone with base access. Moderna is offered on Mondays and Tuesdays while Pfizer is offered on Thursdays and Fridays. 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 405-582-6297.
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).
Booster Shots Available at Tinker: The 72nd Medical Group is offering booster shots for the Comirnaty/Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The booster is given six months after completion of the two-shot Pfizer series. Individuals who are 65+, 18+ with underlying medical conditions, or 18+ and work or live in a high risk setting are eligible. Those interested in receiving the Pfizer booster can schedule an appointment by visiting https://covidvaccinesignup.timetap.com. Recipients of non-Pfizer vaccines will have access to booster shots pending future guidance.
For more information on base access, gate entry and location, see the Tinker Gate & Hours Map.
COVID Clinic operating times are 7 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Off Base Vaccination Location & Registration Sites:
https://vaccinate.oklahoma.gov/en-US/vaccine-centers/
https://vaccinate.oklahoma.gov/en-US/currentlyopenappointmentsbylocation/
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.
Q1. Are vaccines available at Tinker? The COVID-19 (Moderna) vaccine is available through the Immunizations Clinic by appointment (Mon-Fri, 2:30-3:15 p.m.) To make an appointment, visit https://covidvaccinesignup.timetap.com
Q2. Who can get the vaccine? Vaccines are available to all DOD ID Card holders 18+. Vaccines are also available to people age 12-17 (Pfizer only at this time) through vaccination sites in the local community.
Q3. 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.
Q4. Are you accepting walk-ins for the COVID-19 vaccine? Walk-ins will be accepted if we have no shows or cancellations. The best way to get vaccinated is to make an appointment through https://covidvaccinesignup.timetap.com
Q5. Will we still need to wear masks and practice physical distancing once a vaccine is available? 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.
Q6: How long will protection last following vaccination? 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.
Q7. 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.
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.
Q8. Should children get the vaccine? Children age 12-17 can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization. Other age groups have not been approved at this time. The Tinker Clinic does not currently have the Pfizer vaccine available; children can be vaccinated through off-base vaccination sites.
Q9. 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.
Q10. Will the vaccine require multiple shots? 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.
Q11. Will Tinker be offering vaccines to DoD contractors? 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.
Q12. 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 on the Tinker web page at https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/
Q13. 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
Q14. I have questions not addressed in this FAQ. 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.
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
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.
Oklahoma County
Oklahoma City-County Health Dept:
Oklahoma State Health Department
Canadian County
Cleveland County