FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
The COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available for you and your family. The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will provide COVID-19 vaccines in phases.
“As the vaccine becomes more widely available in the coming weeks, we strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated,” said Defense Health Agency Director Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ronald J. Place. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and a critical addition to current public health measures. It helps us protect our health, our families, our communities, and significantly decrease the public health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As this critical response begins, you may have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as when and how you can get it.
Who is getting the vaccine first?
The first supply of the vaccine is limited. The DoD is prioritizing distributing vaccines to those providing direct medical care, maintaining essential installation functions, deploying forces, and those who are at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19. Once the initial phases of the vaccine distribution are complete, the vaccines will become available for other beneficiaries under the phased approach.
Where can you get the vaccine when offered?
During the limited distribution phase, the vaccine is only available at certain locations throughout the U.S. and overseas. Once the initial phases of the vaccine distribution are completed, the vaccines will be more broadly available.
You’ll eventually be able to get the vaccine at:
TRICARE is working to ensure you have no out-of-pocket costs.
Why should you get the vaccine?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Getting the vaccine will lower your risk of contracting COVID-19 and may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get the virus. Getting vaccinated also protects the health of the people around you—especially those who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
What can you do now?
Remember it’s still important for you to follow COVID-19 safety procedures to help slow the spread of the virus. You should continue to practice healthy habits. These habits include wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, restricting your movement, and washing your hands.
You can learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine efforts. Also, sign up for email alerts for more COVID-19 vaccine news as it becomes available.
Sign up for email alerts, and keep up with TRICARE and COVID-19 updates.
At the time of posting, this information is current. Visit www.cdc.gov or TRICARE COVID Guidance for the most current COVID-19 information.