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 | Dec. 20, 2024

Get Vaccinated With TRICARE: RSV Immunizations Offer Protection for High-Risk Individuals

By TRICARE Communications

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.

“RSV immunizations help prevent severe illness and hospitalization, especially among older people,” said Marcy Opstal, Senior Program Analyst, Pharmacy Benefit Integration Branch at the Defense Health Agency. “Another high-risk group is newborns. If you’re pregnant, getting immunized now will help protect your newborn during their first six months of life. This is when they’re most vulnerable to RSV.”

What is RSV?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms are like other respiratory viruses, such as the flu. RSV spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and by touching contaminated surfaces. While most people recover from RSV within two weeks, the virus can cause serious breathing problems in certain groups. Symptoms typically include:

  • Runny nose
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Fever
  • Wheezing

Who should get the immunization?

There are several different products that provide protection from RSV, including monoclonal antibodies (for children) and vaccines (for adults). TRICARE covers age-appropriate RSV immunizations for certain groups as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • All babies under 8 months old whose mothers didn’t get the RSV immunization during pregnancy
  • Some children 8 to 19 months old who have a higher risk of getting very sick from RSV
  • Adults aged 60–74, who are at increased risk for severe RSV
  • Adults 75 and older
  • Pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy

What to expect when getting the vaccine

If you’re an older adult, getting the vaccine is simple. You'll need just one dose. You can receive it at the same time as other vaccines. There’s no need to get a new shot every year.

Some people may experience:

  • Mild pain or redness at the injection site
  • Temporary fatigue
  • Headache
  • Mild muscle aches

Where to get your shot

TRICARE covers doses of vaccines and immunizations in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. As described in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook, TRICARE covers the shots at no cost to you, as long as you:
  • Go to a military hospital or clinic.
  • Go to a TRICARE retail network pharmacy. Make sure the person who gives you the vaccine is a pharmacist. If another type of provider gives you a vaccine at a retail pharmacy, you may have out-of-pocket costs. 
  • See a TRICARE-authorized civilian provider. However, if you get other services at the same time, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit or for other services received during. These costs vary based on your TRICARE health plan. 

If you live overseas, you can get your immunizations at military hospitals or clinics or TRICARE-authorized civilian providers.

Before getting your RSV shot, call ahead to check if the vaccine is available and if you need an appointment.

Take action

Contact your TRICARE provider to schedule your RSV vaccine. The shot is especially important if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Are 75 or older
  • Have chronic health conditions, such as:
    • Chronic liver disease
    • Chronic cardiovascular disease
    • Severe obesity
  • Live in a nursing home
  • Are a child with increased risk for RSV, such as
    • Premature babies
    • Children with chronic lung disease
    • Children with weak immune systems
    • Children with severe cystic fibrosis
    • American Indian and Alaska Native children

Protection beyond RSV

Remember to protect yourself against other respiratory illness, too. You can now get your annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine when you get your RSV shot.

Keep in mind that the flu isn't just a bad cold. It can make you very sick and even put you in the hospital. For some people, like older adults and pregnant people, the flu can be even more dangerous. Getting vaccinated can help prevent serious illness.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated for this season to target the most recent virus strains. The new vaccine offers improved protection against current variants. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get this new shot, even if they’ve received COVID-19 shots before. It's especially important for:

  • People 65 and older
  • Pregnant people
  • People with health problems like heart disease or asthma
  • People with weak immune systems

Protect yourself from RSV, flu, and COVID-19 with your TRICARE pharmacy benefit.

Remember: Prevention is your best defense against RSV and other viruses or infections. Getting immunized can help you stay healthy and avoid serious complications from this common respiratory virus. For more information about RSV immunizations and other vaccines, you can talk to your provider or visit TRICARE Immunizations.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Uniformed service member uses mouse and keyboard, looking at desktop screen.

TRICARE Logins: Know How To Access Portals and M...

News
Jul. 24, 2025

Whether you need to make an appointment, check a claim, or download forms, knowing where to log in can make...
Read More
Service member holds a brown paper bag next to ScriptCenter automated machine.

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Program Benefit: Creating ...

News
Jul. 22, 2025

Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies...
Read More
Woman in white lab coat speaks on a laptop.

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Car...

News
Jul. 17, 2025

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health?...
Read More
Woman, baby, and service member smile and pose together

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Y...

News
Jul. 15, 2025

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a...
Read More
Four young children stand in a huddle, laughing and holding a soccer ball. Text reads: Stay in the Game - Stop Measles Before It Starts! Defense Health Agency and Unlock Your Health text.

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize...

News
Jul. 11, 2025

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that...
Read More
Service member smiles next to a woman in a black shirt

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

News
Jul. 10, 2025

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high-quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health...
Read More
Mother holds newborn baby

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

News
Jul. 08, 2025

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top...
Read More
Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More

July 24, 2025

TRICARE Logins: Know How To Access Portals and Manage Your Benefit

Whether you need to make an appointment, check a claim, or download forms, knowing where to log in can make using your TRICARE benefits easier. Today’s Military Health System relies on multiple online platforms—each with a specific purpose. Understanding them, and how they’re evolving, can help you make the most of your health coverage.

July 22, 2025

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Program Benefit: Creating a Patient-Centered Military Pharmacy Experience

Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies have different procedures than civilian pharmacies. When a provider issues a new prescription to a military pharmacy, you need to activate the prescription before a pharmacist fills it. Recently, the Defense Health Agency has developed and updated two tools—Q-Anywhere and ScriptCenters—to make this prescription pickup process easier and more convenient.

July 17, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Care at Home With TRICARE

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health? These services take place through secure video calls, phone appointments, and other technology platforms. TRICARE virtual health coverage includes primary care, urgent care, mental health, and specialty services.

July 15, 2025

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Your Benefit

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a uniformed service member? If you’re new to TRICARE, you may have some questions about how to enroll in a plan, get care, and learn more about your coverage.

July 11, 2025

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize the Symptoms and Protect Your Family

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications. Anyone who isn’t protected against measles can get the illness—and children are especially at risk of getting seriously sick.

July 10, 2025

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high-quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health plans. These plans serve active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and family members living overseas.

July 8, 2025

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top priorities, so you may be wondering how to get TRICARE coverage for your child. Your child’s date of birth and their sponsor’s status affect what you should do next.

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.