An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | May 3, 2023

Know Which Vaccines You Need and How TRICARE Covers Them

By TRICARE Communications

Vaccines play a vital role in helping people around the world live longer, healthier lives. In fact, vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical invention, according to the World Health Organization.
 
“Getting vaccinated is one of the safest, most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from a variety of diseases and prevent serious illness, disability, and even death,” said Jeannine Pickrell, RN, nurse consultant for Disease Management & Population Health at the Defense Health Agency. “That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on vaccinations throughout your life.”
 
It’s easy to get the vaccines you need. TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. When you follow your plan’s rules, you can get these vaccines at no cost.
 
Read on to learn more about getting yourself and your family vaccinated.
 
Vaccines From Birth Through 18 Years
People need vaccines starting at birth. When kids get vaccines on time, they’re protected from 14 potentially serious diseases before age 2. After age 2, kids should receive booster doses of certain vaccines. Older kids can get vaccines to protect against HPV and meningococcal disease.
 
Your child’s provider will help you follow the recommended immunization schedule. This schedule balances when kids are most likely to be exposed to a disease and when the vaccine will be most effective. If your child has missed a dose of a vaccine, talk to their provider about how to get back on schedule.
 
Vaccines for Adults
Adults need vaccines and booster shots too. This is because immunity from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Adults are also more at risk for certain diseases, like shingles, than kids are.
 
Talk to your provider about what vaccines you may need. These may vary based on your age, occupation, and vaccination history and if your medical history means you have certain risk factors. If you’re pregnant, your provider may recommend that you get certain vaccines during pregnancy.
 
Vaccines for Overseas Travel
Before you go to certain countries, you may need to get vaccines that people in the U.S. don’t get routinely. TRICARE covers these vaccines if you’re an active duty sponsor or active duty family member on permanent change of duty station orders or other official travel. Keep in mind that TRICARE doesn’t cover vaccines needed for personal travel overseas.
 
Where To Get Vaccinated
You can get covered vaccines at these locations:
 
1. Military hospitals and clinics: Use the Military Hospital or Clinic Locator to find a facility near you. Then call ahead to make sure the vaccine you need is available. If you have TRICARE Prime, you have priority at these facilities. But if you’re enrolled in the US Family Health Plan, you aren’t eligible to use military hospitals and clinics.
 
2. TRICARE-authorized providers: You can get covered vaccines from any TRICARE-authorized provider at no cost. However, if you receive other services at the same time, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares. These costs vary based on your health plan. Don’t forget: If you’re enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan, it’s best to visit your primary care manager or a network provider to avoid point-of-service fees.
 
Routine vaccinations are included in well-child care visits for kids from birth through 5 years. They’re also included in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention exams for kids and adults ages 6 through 21 years.
 
3. TRICARE retail network pharmacies: You can get some covered vaccines for $0 at participating network pharmacies. However, make sure the person who gives you the vaccine is a pharmacist. If another type of provider gives you a vaccine at a participating pharmacy, you may have out-of-pocket costs.
 
Go to Immunizations for a list of vaccines you can get through the TRICARE Retail Vaccination Program. Then use the Find a Pharmacy Tool to find a participating pharmacy. Call the pharmacy or visit its website to learn if you need to make an appointment and to make sure it has the vaccine you need.
 
If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your provider. For more info on vaccine coverage, check out Immunizations.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Woman smiles while working on a laptop.

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Youn...

News
May. 22, 2025

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how...
Read More
Service member examines medication at a military pharmacy.

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescri...

News
May. 20, 2025

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy...
Read More
A man poses for a photo in a maintenance shop with a saw table behind him.

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

News
May. 14, 2025

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you...
Read More
Dentist and pediatric patient give thumbs up.

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care...

News
May. 13, 2025

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important...
Read More
Two nurses wearing blue scrubs and face masks point to chart on a wall.

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary ...

News
May. 09, 2025

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every...
Read More
Man and woman smile while holding a baby.

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime At...

News
May. 07, 2025

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are...
Read More
Map of West Region states and TRICARE logo. Text: Referral approval waiver: Referral approvals are waived through June 30.

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval ...

News
Apr. 30, 2025

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has...
Read More
TRICARE logo; map of West Region U.S. states in blue. Text reads "Attention West Region Beneficiaries: Submit your payments by April 30 to avoid disenrollment. If you are disenrolled, call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST to reinstate your TRICARE health plan."

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West R...

News
Apr. 29, 2025

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic...
Read More

May 22, 2025

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Young Adults

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how this milestone affects their TRICARE health coverage. Here’s what you need to know about TRICARE health plan options for young adults.

May 20, 2025

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescriptions: Your Questions Answered

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. You should be familiar with certain terms that can help you make the most of your pharmacy benefit, including prior authorization. Prior authorization is a routine process to ensure your prescription drug is medically necessary and cost effective.

May 14, 2025

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available, and TRICARE is here to support you.

May 13, 2025

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care for Children

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important that children get proper dental care from an early age. This helps them maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. The TRICARE Dental Program provides dental coverage for eligible children of service members, helping your children access important dental care.

May 9, 2025

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary Ready Force

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every service member is fit to fight, that our medical teams are trained and ready, and that our families receive the care they deserve. This week, we honor the strength and dedication of the extraordinary professionals who serve both our country and warfighters with unwavering courage. Whether they are on the frontlines, in field hospitals or at military medical centers around the world, their commitment to care under the most challenging conditions inspires us all.

May 7, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa, Competitive Plans Demonstration Options Starting in 2026

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are about to expand. Starting in January 2026, TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa options, a Competitive Plans Demonstration, will bring more choices to eligible beneficiaries. These options are administered by CareSource Military & Veterans. Enrollees will get care from CSMV’s network of primary and specialty care providers.

April 30, 2025

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval Waiver Through June 30 for West Region TRICARE Prime Enrollees

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

April 29, 2025

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West Region? Here’s How To Reinstate Your Coverage After April 30

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

April 24, 2025

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April 26, National Drug Take Back Day

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.

April 22, 2025

Want To Learn About TRICARE For Life? Check Out This Handbook

You may be approaching age 65, or you may have a disability or a medical condition that makes you eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life before you turn age 65. In either case, you’ll benefit from checking out the TRICARE For Life Handbook.