Respiratory syncytial virus is a common but potentially dangerous respiratory illness. Immunizations are available to protect TRICARE beneficiaries who are considered high risk from RSV infection. These immunizations help protect older adults and newborns, who face higher risks from respiratory illness.

Changes are coming to TRICARE’s regional contracts Jan. 1, 2025. These changes will affect you if you live in the U.S. The key to a smooth transition is to take a few simple steps now, before the end of the year.

Do you get your prescriptions at a military pharmacy in the U.S.? You should know that the Defense Health Agency is upgrading to a new prescription refill system at military pharmacies. The new Interactive Voice Response system will help standardize refill notices.

If you get care outside of a military hospital or clinic, it’s important to understand your civilian provider options. TRICARE’s new regional contracts, which begin Jan. 1, 2025, will affect the TRICARE provider networks in the U.S. You’re now able to check the network provider directories for both the East Region and West Region.

Winn Army Community Hospital took its first steps on the path to transforming beneficiaries’ relationship with the hospital Nov. 7 with a kickoff town hall-style meeting for its new patient-focused committee that beneficiaries can join and share their insights. The first meeting of Winn’s Patient and Family Partnership Council (PFPC), held in the hospital’s conference room, introduced the concept of and the reasons behind the council. Fifteen people participated, including the hospital commander, staff members, spouses, retirees, and others. The PFPC’s goal is patient-centered health care through identifying both areas of success and improvement at Winn.

Six patients were safely transferred from Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) to Winn Army Community Hospital (Winn ACH) following severe infrastructure damage at Fort Eisenhower caused by Hurricane Helene. The patients were flown via HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, after power outages and facility disruptions at Eisenhower left the hospital in need of immediate support to continue providing critical care.

A project eight years in the making had its ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 2 at Winn Army Community Hospital. With a celebration complete with oversized scissors, a purple ribbon, balloons, confetti and chocolate cake, staff and pharmacy specialists celebrated the official opening of the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy clean room. The facility ensures the safe preparation of sterile medicines, including intravenous drugs, for inpatient use.

Soldiers from the Army Reserve joined forces with their active-duty counterparts and civilian staff at Winn Army Community Hospital to maintain seamless operations in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby. Reservists from the 7459th Medical Operations Readiness Unit are currently undergoing training at Winn Army Community Hospital. The MORU provided continuity of patient care following the tropical storm.