Luke AFB, Ariz., has entered into a partnership with the Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix, sending Air Force surgeons and internists to work and practice in one of the most modern medical facilities in the state. The Arizona Republic reports that tight Air Force resources have prompted the base to eliminate many base hospital services that provided training for its medical personnel. Col. Jerrold Flyer, deputy commander of the 56th Medical Group at Luke, told the Republic that the cooperative effort has worked well for the community and the base.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.