‹ Return to blog homepage

Your guide to vaccines: Who’s covered, what’s covered, and where to get vaccinated

From the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to shingles, illness can disrupt your plans—and your health. Getting vaccinated can help protect against serious illness and, in some cases, reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. That’s why keeping your vaccines current is so important for you and your family.

As a TRICARE beneficiary, your pharmacy benefit makes getting age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) easier. Whether you’re looking for information about what’s covered, who’s eligible, or where you can get vaccinated, we’re here to help.

Let’s walk through some questions you may have, just in time to plan for flu season!

What’s covered?

As CDC recommendations change, your coverage changes, too. So, you can feel confident that you’re getting access to the vaccines recommended for you.

Learn more about the covered vaccines under your TRICARE benefit.

Who’s covered?

All TRICARE beneficiaries and covered family members can receive age-appropriate vaccinations through the TRICARE pharmacy benefit.

Where can you get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated should fit into your schedule. That’s why you have several convenient options. TRICARE beneficiaries can receive covered vaccines at:

  • Military hospitals or immunization clinics
    You can get covered vaccines at military hospitals or clinics. Call ahead to make sure your vaccines are available before visiting. Find a military hospital or clinic that offers vaccines.
  • TRICARE in-network retail pharmacies
    Covered vaccines are free when given by a pharmacist at a participating in-network retail pharmacy. Find a pharmacy near you. You should contact the pharmacy before you go to make sure the vaccine is available. Note: A pharmacist must administer the vaccine, if another type of provider gives the vaccine at a pharmacy, out-of-pocket costs may apply. Copayments may apply at certain pharmacy clinics1.
  • Civilian and TRICARE-authorized providers
    You can also get vaccines from civilian and TRICARE-authorized providers2. TRICARE covers vaccines at no cost, but copayments or cost-shares may apply for the office visit or for other services received during the visit. Amounts are based on your TRICARE plan.

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is one of the easiest ways to protect your health and the health of the people you love. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Visit the Express Scripts Vaccine Resource Center to learn more about coverage and eligibility. We’re here to help you make the most of your TRICARE pharmacy benefit, every step of the way.

Published 9/14/2026.

  • 1

    E.g. CVS Minute Clinic.

  • 2

    A TRICARE-authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: network providers and non-network providers.

Related Articles