FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus, or
RSV, and
flu can spread quickly, especially during the
fall and winter months. However, there’s an easy way to reduce your risk of serious illness—get vaccinated. TRICARE covers both
RSV and
flu immunizations for eligible beneficiaries, helping protect you and your family this season.
“Each year, RSV and flu hospitalize thousands of people—especially children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Stacy Usher, lead nurse, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Immunization is the most effective way to prevent illness and protect those around you.”
Why these immunizations matter
Both RSV and flu are contagious illnesses that can cause symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue. They can spread from person to person—even before symptoms appear—making it easy to infect others. Getting immunized not only helps protect against infection but can also reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick.
Flu and RSV immunizations are available for many at-risk groups. Also, keep in mind:
- Both RSV and flu viruses spread easily in crowded settings such as schools, offices, and holiday gatherings. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps protect vulnerable people close to you.
- Flu vaccines are updated each year to target the most common strains. They help reduce severity and spread. Flu is an annual vaccination recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. It’s recommended unless you have a specific contraindication, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- RSV is a one-time immunization. It’s recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV.
- The CDC recommends that pregnant women get the RSV immunization between 32-36 weeks to help protect their baby from illness after birth. In some cases, newborns may also get a preventive antibody for added protection. Talk to your provider to determine what’s best for you.
When should I get the flu immunization?
It’s best to get vaccinated for flu as soon as you can. But there’s no bad time to keep yourself and your family members protected. Flu season in the Northern Hemisphere tends to peak around mid-February but can last well into May. Getting vaccinated later in the season still offers protection.
Other RSV and flu prevention tips
In addition to immunization, you can help prevent the spread of RSV and flu by practicing a few simple things, as described by the
CDC:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home until your symptoms have eased.
How TRICARE covers RSV and flu immunizations
TRICARE covers both immunizations at no cost
in accordance with CDC guidelines when administered by a TRICARE-authorized network provider or at a participating pharmacy, as described in the
TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook.
If you’re eligible, bring your Uniformed Services ID card and:
- Contact your local military hospital or clinic for vaccine instructions and availability.
- Make an appointment with your TRICARE-authorized provider. However, if you get other services at the same time, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares. These costs vary based on your health plan.
- Go to a TRICARE retail network pharmacy. Make sure the person who gives you the immunization is a pharmacist. If another type of provider (like a doctor or nurse practitioner) gives you an immunization at a participating pharmacy, you may have out-of-pocket costs. To find a network pharmacy near you, use the Find a Pharmacy Tool. Call ahead and make sure that the immunization is available at your location.
- If you go to a non-network pharmacy, you may have to pay for the vaccine out of pocket.
Don’t wait—protect yourself early
Immunization is most effective when given before RSV and flu start spreading widely. Talk to your doctor about getting immunized as soon as possible, though it’s never too late.
To learn more about coverage, eligibility, and the types of immunizations TRICARE covers, visit TRICARE Immunizations.
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, and more.