COVID-19 vaccine: What you need to know

To protect yourself from COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine not only protects your health but can also help protect the health of your community. TRICARE beneficiaries have options to get the COVID-19 vaccine, one being through participating retail pharmacies.

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine at a retail pharmacy:

At this time, there is no cost to TRICARE beneficiaries to get the COVID-19 vaccine at a retail pharmacy. Vaccines in a retail setting will be offered on an appointment-only basis. When your state, local governments and public health officials announce the COVID-19 vaccine is ready for the phase that applies to you, contact a retail pharmacy of your choice to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Learn more to see which retail pharmacies in your state have the vaccine available.

Be sure to bring your Military ID, which includes your health insurance information, to your appointment.

Currently, TRICARE beneficiaries can also get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost at out-of-network pharmacies. This only applies to the COVID-19 vaccine. Other vaccines are not covered at out-of-network pharmacies.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines were tested in thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met FDA’s standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19?

All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19.

In addition to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, protect yourself by wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and washing your hands often. Visit cdc.gov or Tricare.mil for more COVID-19 vaccine information.