Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Flu Vaccine and Immunization page

What are my options if I want a flu vaccination now and my MTF does not have it yet?

Influenza vaccinations are covered as a TRICARE benefit. Follow the TRICARE guidance in this link to be advised at no-cost options vs. co-pay options: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine.

Where can I find civilian locations to receive a flu vaccine?

TRICARE has a link for civilian locations where flu vaccine may be received at https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine.

Is there a co-pay for beneficiaries when receiving the vaccine at a civilian pharmacy?

There is no co-pay if vaccine is received at an MTF or from a civilian pharmacist. There will likely be a co-pay if vaccine is administered in association with a provider visit. Please see the following link for more information: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine.

Do civilian pharmacies administer the vaccine to children?

It varies by state rules. We strongly encourage contacting the pharmacy prior to your visit to understand any age restrictions they may have. 

Are military members eligible to receive the flu vaccine at civilian pharmacies?

Yes, if they are beneficiaries under TRICARE insurance program, they are eligible for this benefit. If vaccine is received at a civilian location, it should be visible in the Service Readiness systems within 48-72 hours but proof of vaccine receipt may also be transcribed into the Service system.

Are DoD civilian employees eligible to receive the flu vaccine at civilian pharmacies?

Yes, all federal employees, as a benefit of the federal employee health insurance programs, are eligible to receive an annual influenza vaccine at a retail pharmacy with no out-of-pocket costs.

Will MTFs have the flu vaccine for beneficiaries over the age of 65?

Yes. DoD has purchased vaccine specifically formulated for those over the age of 65 years. 

Will FluMist be available at the MTFs?

The FluMist manufacturer continues to have limited influenza vaccine production and it will not be widely available in the U.S. DoD decided to purchase all injectable vaccine this season.

Why does the military always seem to get their flu vaccine after the civilian population?

The current US population is over 327 million. TRICARE serves 9.5 million beneficiaries, approximately 3% of the U.S. population. Therefore, DoD doesn’t have the purchase power that the civilian medical markets have.

Who decides the vaccine delivery priorities within DoD?

Each year the Services review and vote on the distribution list. Locations overseas, ships afloat, and deployed personnel are high priority for delivery of the first vaccine delivered to DoD in August. Once those locations are fulfilled, vaccine is prioritized by each individual Service for delivery to their locations in CONUS in support of all active and reserve locations. 

Who decides the priority list for vaccination once vaccine arrives at the MTF?

The Commander of the installation.

Where may I find out more information on the influenza vaccine?

See https://www.health.mil/flu.

General Vaccine FAQ

What are our hours and phone number?

• 0800-1130 and 1230-1600 Mon-Fri
• 410-293-2273 The call center will answer your questions and will transfer you to the clinic for questions that cannot be answered. The immunization desk is not always manned because they are busy doing vaccinations.

Do I need to make an appointment to get vaccinations?

• Active Duty may walk in without an appointment.
• Other patients require a doctor’s order. If you have a doctor’s order in the computer system or a hand written prescription, you may walk in for vaccinations.
• If you have already started a vaccine series, you may get that vaccine as a walk in.
• You may not walk in for immunizations without a doctor’s order (exceptions are flu and tetanus vaccines).
• If you are not sure that you have an order in the system, please e-mail your provider via www.RelayHealth.com to confirm your order.

Who is eligible for immunizations?

• Tricare patients to include Tricare for Life, Tricare Standard and Tricare Prime.
• Johns Hopkins must get their vaccines through the Johns Hopkins Program.
• Active duty can get vaccines needed without a doctor’s order.
• All other patients must have a doctor’s order to receive immunizations. Please leave a message with your provider’s nurse on www.Relayhealth.com for further information on how to attain this order or schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

I am having reaction to vaccine

• If it is an emergency like shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, passing out or hives, please contact  911. 
• If it is a mild reaction like fever or redness at the injection site, please send message on Secure Messaging or call nurse advise line at 1-800-874-2273.

If I have a question if I am due a vaccine, who should I contact?

• Please send a message to your primary care provider via Secure Messaging or schedule an appointment.
• Active Duty can walk in to clinic during hours of operation.

Can patient in Johns Hopkins Plan come for immunization?

• Johns Hopkins must get their vaccines through the Johns Hopkins Program.

What is required to get a vaccination?

• Doctor’s order or prescription is required for all shots other than the flu shot and tetanus.
• The patient must be a Tricare Eligible as listed above.
• Active Duty do not require doctor’s order.
• Please leave a message with your provider’s nurse on Secure Messaging for further information on how to attain this order or schedule an appointment.

I need paperwork filled out about my vaccine record?

• Drop off your paperwork with your PCM with copies of any vaccination records you have.
• You can scan and send your paperwork to your provider via Secure Messaging .
• The provider will return it to you within 5 working days. If you want it emailed back, please inform the provider on Secure Messaging .

Do you do flu shots?

• We do flu shots without a doctor’s written order.
• Please refer to the flu information on website for more information

Are there vaccines we don’t stock?

• Yes, Anthrax and Small Pox, which are both given at WRNNMC.
• If you need a vaccine that we do not stock, we may be able to order on your behalf. Please have your physician speak with the immunization staff.

What vaccines do we keep in stock?

• DTaP – Child’s Tetanus with Pertussis
• Seasonal Flu (in season)
• Gardisil – HPV
• Cerverix- HPV
• Hep A Peds/Adult
• Hep B Peds/Adult
• Hib – Haemopholus Influenza
• Polio
• JEV – Japanese Encephalitis Viru
• Kinrix – DtaP/Polio
• Menveo - Meningococcal
• MMR – Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Pediarix – DtaP/Polio/Hep B
• Pneumovax – Pneumococcal
• PPD – Tuberculin Skin Test (not placed on Thursdays) must be read in 48-72 hrs
• Prevnar – Pneumococcal Conjugate
• Proquad- MMR/Varicella
• Rabies
• Rotarix
• Td – Tetanus
• Tdap – Tetanus with Pertussis
• Twinrix – Hep A/HepB
• Typhoid
• Varicella – Chicken Pox
• Yellow Fever – Only given on Wednesdays from 1430-1530hrs.
• Zostavax

Behavioral Health page

What level of confidentiality do I have at Naval Health Clinic Annapolis (NHCA) Behavioral Health Department (BHD)?

By law and professional ethics, your sessions are strictly confidential. Generally, no information will be shared with anyone without your written permission. However, there are some important exceptions to this confidentiality rule which will be discussed with you in detail at your first appointment.

Does any information go into my permanent medical record?

All paperwork generated in the Behavioral Health Department is maintained in Secondary Records to ensure your privacy. Reports and progress notes are documented in your electronic medical recorded (AHLTA). Access to this system is strictly limited to authorized health care providers with a need-to-know. However, all clinical records are considered the property of the U.S. Government and may not represent privileged communication. Access to your records by third parties may be allowed when required by law, regulations, or judicial proceeding. You will be informed of such a request or release as soon as possible.

Naval Health Clinic Annapolis has reasonable security policies and procedures in place to protect personal information from unauthorized loss, misuse, alteration, or destruction. Despite NHCA’s best efforts, however, security cannot be absolutely guaranteed against all threats. To the best of our ability, access to your personal information is limited to those who have a need-to-know. Those individuals who have access to the data are required to maintain the confidentiality of such information. We also make reasonable efforts to retain personal information only for so long as the information is necessary to comply with an individual’s request or until that person asks that the information is deleted.

How do I make an appointment?

Contact the Naval Health Clinic Annapolis Behavioral Health Department directly at 410-293-3208 Monday through Friday from 0730-1600.

What will I do at my first appointment?

When you arrive at the clinic, we will ask you to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire that assists us in the determining your needs. You will then complete three brief assessment questionnaires regarding symptoms that you may be experiencing. After completion of all paperwork, you will have your vital signs taken prior to meeting with your assigned therapist.

Optometry page

How do I make an appointment?

Central appointment line: 410-293-2273

How do I contact the eye clinic?

(410) 293-3617 @ North Severn (410) 293-1790 @ Midshipmen at Bancroft Hall

What is your address?

695 Kinkaid Road Optometry Department Naval Health Clinic Annapolis Annapolis, MD 21402-5050

Where are you located in the Naval Health Clinic?

Enter through the main entrance and walk up the stairway in the atrium. The Optometry clinic is to the right, directly above the Pharmacy.

What are the capabilities of your Clinic?

At North Severn, we have 3 examination lanes. We have 3 optometrists who manage patients at Hospital Point and at Bancroft Hall. We have medical equipment for comprehensive eye care for all ages, management of ocular disease, contact lenses, and glasses.

What services do you not provide?

Vision Therapy and Low Vision care. Vision therapy is not covered under Tricare.

Do I need an eye exam?

It is recommended that a child be seen by the age of 4, or when entering pre-school, for a routine comprehensive exam to rule out any ocular or visual issues that may impede learning. A child should be seen earlier if there is a concern, or a family history of: an eye turn, pediatric cataracts, amblyopia, eye cancer, or nasolacrimal duct obstructions. For adults over 18, comprehensive exams with dilation are recommended every other year, unless there is a history of ocular disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or progressive myopia. If these conditions exist, annual eye exams are recommended.

Do I need a referral to be seen there?

No, all eligible Tricare beneficiaries, Active Duty, Family members, and Retirees are can make an appointment without a referral.

I have 20/20 vision. Do I need to be dilated?

The measure of how well you see and the prescribing of glasses is only the assessment of vision. Vision can be excellent, and the health of your eye can be poor. The dilation allows the practitioner to look at the tissue inside the eye and assess the health of the eye. This is how eye care professionals can evaluate diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, and retinal tears or detachments.

Do you fit contacts?

For existing contact lens wearers…Yes. The clinic provides services for soft contact lens fittings for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and limited cases for presbyopia. Rigid gas permeable lenses are on a per patient basis after assessment and evaluation. Please bring in a pair of your most recent contact lenses and contact lens boxes or written contact lens prescription.

I wear contact lenses. Do I still need glasses?

Absolutely yes! Without a pair of glasses available you would most likely be over-wearing your contact lenses and would be unable to see well if you had an eye infection.

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K is the practice of fitting hard lenses designed for the patient to sleep in on a nightly basis to change the refractive power of the eye. Overnight, the cornea is temporarily flattened so that when the patient awakes and the lens is taken out, the patient’s refractive error is corrected and the patient does not need glasses throughout the day. We do not fit Ortho-K lenses at our clinic, and the Midshipmen and entering classes to the Academy should be advised that Ortho-K lenses or any lenses that change corneal shape are NOT authorized and could jeopardize commissioning.

What medication do I need to tell the eye doctor I am on?

In general, it is important to list all medication you are currently taking. Both prescription medicines and over the counter medicines can affect your eyes. Vitamins to Viagra and birth control pills all have potential effects on vision. Never omit telling the doctor about a medication because you “didn’t think it could affect your eyes”.

I am seeing flashes of light and floaters. Should I be seen?

The short answer is yes. Any new onset flashes of light or floaters should be evaluated to make sure you don’t have a tear in your retina. While most floaters are considered normal, it is hard for the patient to determine which are normal and which signs are something more vision threatening. Flashes of light are hardly ever considered normal and should be seen by an eye care practitioner.

I have a family member who it a nonverbal patient. Can they still have their eyes examined?

Of course! There are plenty of objective tests that can help the eye care practitioner to find the appropriate eyeglass prescription. Whether you are 2 years old, or an adult with a language barrier, an eye exam can still be performed and an appropriate glasses prescription will be given to you!

Dental personnel have been diverted to support the increased COVID testing and vaccine clinics. Due to the increased manning requirement, NS Dental is closed until further notice.  However, appointments can be scheduled through the Bancroft Hall clinic for Readiness Exams and Urgent Care needs.

Any dental related concern causing significant pain, causing signs or symptoms of an active infection (e.g. swelling, fever etc.), or deemed urgent by a dentist for any other reason during your routine dental readiness examination is considered urgent at this time.

The after-hours dental duty number 443-822-2254.

To expand access for routine appointments, we have added early appointments starting as early as 6:20 a.m. for exams and limited procedures. We appreciate your continued patience as we are currently limiting procedures to focus on urgent dental needs and readiness requirements. Once we are able to resume normal operations, we will inform the command.

Yes, we are currently open for cleanings at this time. Availability may be more limited than usual due to increased precautions requiring extended appointment times so we ask for your patience.

Brigade Dental is still accepting appointments. Please call 410-293-3901 to make an appointment. The North Severn Dental Clinic is not accepting appointments at this time.