What being medically ready to deploy means

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moffitt
  • 509th Medical Operations Squadron
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. --  With Air Expeditionary Forces 9/10 quickly approaching, it's a good time to start thinking about what you need to do to be medically ready to deploy. 

Being prepared and completing your requirements when you know they are due can save you a lot of time and ensure a smoother out-processing. 

Listed below is some information on the medical requirements that must be met before you are cleared to deploy: 

Medical Issues: If you are being evaluated for certain medical conditions or have unresolved medical conditions, see your medical provider to complete the proper follow-up and treatment necessary to ensure you are ready to deploy when the time comes. 

Make sure you attend all required appointment s and complete all required testing to prevent further delay. Note: If you are on a medical profile, ensure your commander and supervisor are aware. Females only: If you suspect you may be pregnant, or are not sure, you will be required to complete a pregnancy test. 

Preventive health assessment: Must remain current throughout duration of deployment. If you know you are going to need a PHA, contact the appointment line at commercial 563-9100 or 975-2188 to schedule an appointment. 

Lab: active duty members are required to have an Human Immunodeficiency Virus test every two years. If you need an HIV test, stop by public health. 

Please keep in mind if it has been greater than 12 months since your last HIV test, you will be required to complete a pre-deployment blood test prior to deployment. 

Immunizations: Keep up-to-date on your immunizations. Depending on the location you are deploying to, additional vaccinations may be required. 

Anthrax vaccinations are now mandatory for those deploying to U.S. Central Command or PCSing to Korea. 

Personnel should receive a minimum of three doses of anthrax vaccine prior to arriving in theater. Smallpox vaccine is administered every Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - noon. 

Patients with certain medical conditions must be cleared by a designated physician prior to being vaccinated for smallpox. 

Medications: If you are taking any medications, ensure you have enough medication to last throughout the deployment. 

If you are unsure of the duration, request a 120-day supply from your medical providers. 

Corrective lens prescription: If you wear eye glasses, ensure you have at least two pairs of glasses and gas mask inserts. If you need corrective lenses, stop by optometry to order them. 

If you need an eye exam first, please plan accordingly and call the appointment line to book an appointment. 

If your unit deployment manager determines that you are going into an area where you will be subjected to improvised explosive devices and you wear glasses, your unit deployment manager can order you specific ballistic protective eyewear and the optometry clinic can order the optical inserts. 

See your UDM for more details on this program. Please keep in mind contacts are not authorized for nonaircrew members in deployed locations unless it has been approved by the gaining commander Dental: It is encouraged by Air Force deployment reporting instructions that you remain current for the duration of your deployment. 

However, the Whiteman dental clinic staff ensures you remain current for the duration of your deployment by scheduling you for an exam if you are going to expire while deployed. Dental out-processing is conducted on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30- 4 p.m. 

Medical deployment clearances can now be conducted no earlier than 60 days from your report no later than date verses the 30 days in the previous reporting instructions. 

Members can report to public health Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m - noon to begin their medical out-processing. 

For more information, call 687-6942.