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COVID19 Vaccine and RoM Updates

Updated: 06/28/2022 

COVID-19 Vaccination Services

All vaccination requests related to COVID-19 are on an appointment basis ONLY.  Please sign-up on the COVAX website at https://informatics-stage.health.mil/COVAX/

  1. Pfizer (12+ years) and Moderna (18+ years) offered on the 2nd & 4th Monday morning of every month (offered on Tuesdays following a down-day) 
    **Initial boosters may be given 5 months following completion of primary series
    **A second booster dose may be given 4 months following the first booster dose for those who are 50 years of age or older

2. Pfizer (5-11 years) offered on the 2nd and 4th Thursday afternoon every month
**Booster dose may be given 5 months following completion of primary series

3. Pfizer (6 month to 4 years) ONCE AVAILABLE will be offered on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon every month

 

COVID-19 testing after vaccination

  • The vaccine will not result in a positive COVID test on a PCR/molecular or antigen test.

  • The vaccine is very effective but it is still possible to get COVID-19 after vaccination. If a person tests positive for COVID-19 after vaccination they are still required to isolate in order to prevent any further spread of the virus and their close contacts must quarantine.

  • After you receive your COVID-19 vaccination you may have some side effects similar to COVID symptoms. If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours it is important to call the MDG at 632-5000 to be screened for COVID-19.

Travel updates with the COVID-19 vaccine

BEGINNING ON 1 APRIL 2022 -- SUPER GREEN PASS & GREEN PASS RULES CHANGE

1 April 22

  • No Green Pass of any kind will be required to:
    • Stay in hotels or use indoor hotel restaurants/bars
    • Ride on local public transport (still required to wear a FFP2 mask)
    • Enter public offices, shops, banks, post offices, museums, tobacconists, barbershops, beauty salons
    • Visit outdoor stadiums and sporting events
    • Eat outside at a restaurant
  • Stadiums can reach 100% capacity. 

MDG Symptomatic Appointments Beginning 4 April

Beginning 4 April, 31 MDG will change their appointment procedures for patients with COVID-like symptoms. Individuals who have NOT been a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person in the last 10 days, may be seen in the MDG for an appointment.  They must show proof of a negative at-home COVID-19 test performed on the same day as the scheduled appointment.

Patients with COVID-like symptoms who are a close contact of a positive person must schedule a test through the MDG before they can be seen. Patients who would like to be tested by the MDG and are not a close contact, may still schedule a test through the appointment line.

31 MDG Call Center Screening

31st MDG Call Center Screening
Call the MDG for COVID-19 screening at DSN 632-5000 or 0434-30-5000, select option 1 and then option 2.

Symptoms
The 31 MDG/Public Health recommends that any individual with flu like symptoms (listed below) stay home and not attend work to help prevent the spread of any sickness. Additionally, please ensure proper precautions are used such as physical distancing, hand washing, and proper cough etiquette. It is recommended that common surfaces/objects be sanitized twice a day with Clorox or bleach solution. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lost sense of smell or taste
  • Chills
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting

If you have had contact with anyone who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19, contact Public Health Immediately. CDC believes symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

COVID Facts and Questions

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COVID is most often spread through close contact with a positive person either by direct contact or droplets produced when the person coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings, or talks. COVID can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces as well, but it is less common.

While the virus may be detectable on surfaces for hours to days, the ability to actually develop an infection from surfaces has yet to be fully understood. Detectability of the virus on a surface does not equal infectability. It is a good practice to clean any high-touch surfaces frequently with a cleaning agent capable of killing Coronaviruses

UV light (sunlight) has not proven to kill COVID.

Cloth face coverings and surgical masks reduce the spread of droplets that come out of your nose and mouth from coughing, sneezing, or talking. This reduces the chance of someone else being infected by the wearer’s droplets. Masks work to reduce the chance of people getting sick, especially from people that may not be showing symptoms yet or people who do not show symptoms. COVID can be spread by people even when they do not have symptoms, so it is best to always wear your mask when you are around others.

Fitted N95 masks, used by healthcare personnel, protect the wearer from the droplets of other people.

The best way to minimize your exposure and potential to contract the virus is by practicing physical distancing, washing your hands, and to avoid touching your face/eyes/mouth. There are no vitamins, minerals, pills, or supplements that prevent COVID.

A close contact either had direct contact (hugs, high-five, etc.) with a positive individual or came within 6ft for 15 minutes or longer over a 24hr period of a positive while the positive individual was in his/her infectious period.

The infectious period for a positive individual starts either:

  • Two days before his/her symptoms began OR
  • Two days before he/she was tested positive if they had no symptoms

You may designate a trusted agent who is not on ROM (household member, friend, First Sergeant, etc.) to come and pick up your medications on your behalf. Please ensure the person picking up your medications has your full name, date of birth, AND a list, type, or number of medications they are picking up. If you encounter any issues with this process, or have any questions about your prescriptions, please call the Pharmacy at 0434 30 5214.

You CANNOT come and pick up your medications in-person while on ROM.

COVID is most often spread through close contact with a positive person either by direct contact or droplets produced when a person coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings, or talks.

COVID can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces as well, but it is less common.

You may contact the COVID Clinic by calling the MDG appointment line at 0434 30 5000, option 1, then 2.

Yes. We appreciate your patience with our MDG COVID screening desk as we are working to ensure the safest environment for our patients and staff.

COVID testing takes place on the backside of the medical building on Area 1.

When coming through the gate on Area 1, take the right at the roundabout to the MDG parking area and drive all the way to the back of the parking lot. You will see reserved parking spaces for COVID testing.

Please DO NOT get out of your vehicle. A technician will come to your vehicle.

You CANNOT ride with anyone to your testing appointment unless they currently reside with you.

If you do not have your own vehicle to transport you, let the COVID team know. They can work a plan to best accommodate your testing.

Most patients will be tested within 2-4 duty days.

Most patients will be tested with our Host Nation partners and results will be available in 1-2 duty days.

Some patients will be tested with a “send out” test and results can take up to 1 week.

Very few patients will receive a rapid test (only by request of Sq/CC) which has results within 1 duty day.

We would like to be able to offer same-day testing to all our beneficiaries, however our supplies are limited. A same-day test must be requested through the leadership for individuals who meet the criteria to receive one.

You may be tested for influenza and/or strep at your testing appointment IF it is determined your symptoms qualify for those tests.

Please DO NOT go to the ER to get a COVID test faster. Many individuals going to the ER are sick.  To keep them safe, the local hospitals want to keep individuals with COVID symptoms away as much as possible.

If you are having COVID symptoms, please call the MDG appointment line at 0434 30 5000, option 1, then 2. If you meet the requirements for testing, we will get you scheduled for our soonest testing date. The length of time between when you are tested and when your results are available will depend on the kind of test used.

Yes, you can pay for testing off base. If you choose to test off base it is still recommended to call the MDG at 0434 30 5000, option 1, then 2. This will allow the COVID team to assess your unique situation and ensure no further ROM is necessary.

If you are Active Duty and the COVID team determines testing is warranted, it will be mandatory.

If you are a dependent, it is highly recommended to be tested for COVID if you are symptomatic in order to identify positive cases and reduce further spread.

If you are symptomatic and NOT a contact of a positive case or you are asymptomatic and ARE a contact of a positive case:  the other members in your household do not need to ROM while you are waiting for test results. Please ensure to practice physical distancing, hand-washing, and wearing masks even within your household.

If you are symptomatic and ARE a contact of a positive case: all other members in your household will need to ROM until your test results are back. All other active duty member’s in the household will receive a COVID screening and will be placed on ASIMS quarters.

There are two different kinds of tests we use to detect COVID: 1) diagnostic and 2) antibody.

  1. Diagnostic tests can be molecular, which detect the virus’s genetic material, or antigen, which detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. These tests will be positive about 2-14 days after being exposed to COVID.
  2. Antibody tests tell us who had COVID at some point. It takes about 1-3 weeks for someone to develop antibodies and test positive with this kind of test. These tests are not used to tell if someone currently has COVID.

Some people will never show symptoms and still test positive for COVID.

No.  Italian Law requires a 14-day ROM for those returning from the US.

When you take a viral test, it is telling you if you are sick at that time.

The test cannot tell you if you will become sick or contagious in a week or in two days.

A person can be exposed to COVID and not test positive or become symptomatic for 14 days.

Cloth face coverings and surgical masks reduce the spread of droplets that come out of your nose and mouth from coughing, sneezing, or talking. This reduces the chance of someone else being infected by the wearer’s droplets.

Masks work to reduce the chance of people getting sick especially from people that may not be showing symptoms yet or people who do not show symptoms. COVID can be spread by people even when they do not have symptoms, so it is best to always wear your mask when you are around others.

If you are using a reusable cloth mask, it should be washed whenever it gets dirty, but daily at a minimum. Your mask can be machine washed with your other laundry or hand washed with detergent or soap. It is recommended to air dry your mask after washing.

“Day 1” of ROM will be the day AFTER you arrived, the day you arrive is “Day 0.”

Example: You arrive to Italy on 01 Dec. 01 Dec is “Day 0.” 02 Dec is “Day 1.” 15 Dec is “Day 14.” You are released and cleared to return to work on 16 Dec.

Refer to the COVID-19 Travel Restrictions page to receive the most up-to-date information on travel ROM requirements.

The MDG is unable to provide leisure travel testing at this time.

No. You can be released by working with your unit leadership to ensure proper protocol has been followed.

If the member was COVID tested, they will be released with negative test results AND clearance from their PCM team.

If they did not test for COVID, they will be released based on symptom improvement, ROM period determined by PCM, and clinical judgement on a case-by-case basis.

Close Contacts

  • Released 14 days AFTER date of last contact with positive case OR on or after “Day 10” only if a COVID test was conducted on or after “Day 10” and results were negative. In both scenarios, you MUST also have clearance from your PCM team and CANNOT self-release on an expected date of release.
  • “Day 0” of ROM is the date of last contact. “Day 1” is the date AFTER the last date of contact.
    • Example: You last had contact with a positive case on 01 Dec. 01 Dec is “Day 0.” 02 Dec is “Day 1.” 15 Dec is “Day 14.” You can expect a phone call from your PCM on 16 Dec, or the soonest duty day after, to release you from your ROM.

Household Contacts

  • If you live with a positive case and cannot separate in your home, you are considered a household contact. You will be released on a case-by-case basis, but should expect to be on ROM for roughly 24 days.
  1. If you had COVID symptoms and tested positive, you may return when the following criteria are met:
    • 10 days since your symptoms began
    • 3 days without symptoms
    • 1 negative test
  2. If you did not have COVID symptoms and tested positive, you may return when the following criteria are met:
    • 10 days since your test was taken
    • 1 negative test
  3. If you keep testing positive, you may return when the following criteria are met:
    • 21 days have passed since your first test was taken or your symptoms began
    • 7 days without symptoms

Either the COVID team will call and notify you of your contact with a positive case or the unit leadership of the active duty member in the household will notify you of your contact with a positive case.

If you are notified by unit leadership, please do not call the MDG. The COVID team is already tracking your case and will call you to complete your COVID screening in 1-2 duty days.  Please remain on ROM until the COVID team calls with further instructions.

If your employer and/or school requires a clearance letter for your return, you may pick it up AFTER your PCM team has called you and officially cleared you from ROM.

Come to the MDG on Area 1 and request the documentation from the central check-in desk.

If you are awaiting release from your PCM team and have passed your expected date of release, you may call the medical appointment line at 0434 30 5000 option 1, then 2 and request to speak to your PCM about your ROM release.

You CANNOT release yourself from ROM unless your ROM was strictly travel-related only (see travel section). You MUST have PCM clearance regardless even if your expected release date has passed.

Children who are 12 and under will all receive a phone call from the Pediatrics team within 1-2 duty days of your original call to the MDG appointment line. You can expect your child’s release to be based on symptom improvement and clinical judgement from their PCM.

Children who are 13 and up will be recommended for testing and released upon negative results and PCM clearance.

Mental Health

10 Recommendations to help Wyvern Nation thrive during COVID-19

  1. Focus on your sphere of influence, the things you can control. Set daily, simple goals of what you want to accomplish
  2. Strive to have an attitude of hopefulness and positivity
  3. Use your connections with others to help you cope (In light of the limitations on face-to-face social gatherings, there are many ways to stay connected with modern technology). Make daily connections with Family, friends, your faith community and others. Be mindful of your children and their need for connection. Teenagers, in particular, need social connection and this can be an especially challenging time for them due to feeling disconnected from their friends.
  4. Avoid over exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. This does not mean avoid all coverage. It is important to stay informed with accurate information. One recommendation is to check for updates only a few times daily (e.g., when you wake up and at 5pm each day when the 31 FW posts updates). Talk with your children in a way that is developmentally appropriate and not fear inducing. Let them ask questions and help them understand the connection between what we have been asked to do (lockdown) and how this supports Italy’s efforts to save lives and not overwhelm their healthcare system. This can nurture a sense of solidarity and meaning during this unique time. Bottom line: stay informed, but avoid overexpose as this could increase anxiety and fear.
  5. Be intentional about the information you share. Encourage resilience and strength in conversations with family, friends, and others. Share positive messages that promote hopefulness and overcoming. Share accurate, reliable, encouraging information. Share your COVID-19 life-hacks. Are you or your family doing things that are helping you be resilient right now? Share those ideas with others.
  6. Establish a consistent daily schedule for you and your family. Children thrive when there is a degree of structure and predictability in their lives. Every family’s schedule will be different based on many different factors (e.g., age of children). In addition to academic time, here are some other things to consider including in your schedule:
    1. Creative time (painting, crafts, building, etc.)
    2. Play time
    3. Relaxation & reflection time (deep breathing, meditation, stretching, listening to music, journaling)
    4. Alone time (be intentional about this. It can be recharging to have alone time, even for children)
    5. Exercise time
    6. Outside time (exposure to sunlight will help improve your mood)
    7. Chore time (that cluttered garage is calling your name)
    8. Screen time (American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a max of 2 hours daily)
      1. Do the best you can with the screen time. Make allowance for online school
    9. Game time (break out those board/card games and have fun/connect as a family)
  7. Avoid being sedentary. You will need to be intentional and creative in how you ensure regular physical activity. If you have any ideas for other families (for example, workouts for all ages that can be done in limited space), please share those with others.
  8. Eat healthy. Grocery stores are open and healthy food is available. Increase consumption of fruit, vegetables and other non-processed, fresh food options.
  9. Be intentional about your sleep. Go to bed early, wake-up early; be consistent with your schedule.
  10. Avoid alcohol/drugs as a way to cope. Limit alcohol consumption at this time of increased stress.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous

There are three AA groups in Friuli and Veneto; in Aviano, Vicenza and Venice. Due to COVID-19 restrictions required by the Italian Decree, meetings are held virtually on ZOOM at this time. Below is a list of the meetings, ZOOM codes (no passwords needed), days and times, and contact information for each group. Please call to confirm that the meetings are still on ZOOM when the Italian decree changes.

The following AA meetings last one hour; they are ‘open’ meetings, which means anyone with a desire to stop drinking or who would like information on AA is welcome. The Monday night Vicenza meeting is a Beginner’s Meeting. The meeting rooms open about 15-20 minutes prior to the meeting start, and all are welcome to log in early and ask questions or chat.

  • Aviano:
    • Tuesday @ 1900, ZOOM Meeting Code 822 372 2901
    • When the decree permits, there is a Thursday in person meeting at 1900. Please call for information.
    • Contacts: Kit K: 349-817-5178, Barry M: 338-543-2123, Kiki O: 333-944-6573, Ben M: 349-840-3232
  • Venice:
    • Wednesday/Saturday @ 1730, ZOOM Meeting Code 741 328 7750
    • Contacts: Siobhan O: 333-139-0098, Sneder S: 334-331-5310, Anora C: 342-668-3845, John Dominic W-H: 339-782-4320
  • Vicenza:
    • Monday/Thursday @1900, ZOOM Meeting Code 657 155 6760
    • Contacts: Jason V: 348-352-3051, Nancy O: +1-407-802-9124

*Alcoholics Anonymous in not affiliated with the DoD or USAF. No federal endorsement is intended or implied.

COVID 19 Home Page

Host Nation Facilities

COVID-19 Prevention

CDC Prevention Recommendations

◾Know How it Spreads

◾Take steps to protect yourself

◾Avoid close contact

◾Take steps to protect others

Learn more from CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

 

Safety and Cleaning Posters

CONTACT INFORMATION

Aviano AB

  • Medical Appointments: 0434-30-5000
  • Dental Appointments: 0434-30-5060
  • Referral Mgmt: 0434-30-5792/5782
  • HBA/BCAC/DCAO: 0434-30-5067
  • TRICARE Service Cntr: 0434-30-5133
  • Patient Liaisons: 0434-30-5408
  • Patient Advocate: 0434-30-5002

Other Numbers:

  • International SOS: +(44) 20-8762-8384 (option 1)
  • International SOS Toll Free (from Italy): 800-915-994
  • 24hr Nurse Advice Line (from Italy): 800-877-660
  • 24hr Translation Service (from Italy): 800-915-994
  • DAVA 24/7 Crisis Line: +(39) 335-801-4927

Social Media:

Facebook.com/AvianoMedicalGroup

Useful Websites:

  • TRICARE www.tricare.mil
  • TRICARE Overseas Program www.tricare-overseas.com
  • TRICARE Europe www.europe.tricare.osd.mil
  • TRICARE Online www.tricareonline.com
  • Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS) Claims Processor www.tricare-overseas.com

Useful Apps:

  • Aviano App: Aviano AB information and directory for medical service numbers and directions to local hospital
  • International SOS: TRICARE translation services
  • 112: GPS capability/provides emergency patient locations to call center agents
  • Emergenze FVG: displays local ER room wait times