Vaccine Resource Center

Vaccine Resource Center

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COVID-19 Testing

Getting tested for COVID-19 should be easier. Learn about how to get tested at no cost to you.

How to get tested for free:

• In-person

TRICARE will fully cover COVID-19 tests if they are ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider. Your provider will decide if you need a test based on your exposure risk, symptoms, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your test won’t be covered if isn’t ordered by your provider.

• At-home

TRICARE will also cover the cost of FDA-approved at-home tests that are ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider. Applicable TRICARE cost-shares apply.

Learn more about your COVID-19 coverage and testing.

Vaccine Resources

Getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to protect your health and your community. We’re here to help you find the resources and information you need to make a vaccination plan.

How to get vaccinated

Your TRICARE benefit offers multiple options for you and your family to get vaccinated. Review TRICARE's list of covered vaccines to see which vaccines may apply for you or your family.

Retail pharmacies
You can get covered vaccines for free at participating retail network pharmacies when administered by a pharmacist. Before you arrive, contact your pharmacy to confirm the vaccine is available and can be administered by a pharmacist. To get started, find a pharmacy near you.

  • Flu Vaccines: Your yearly flu vaccine is free if you get it at a retail network pharmacy. Be sure to present your military ID at the time of service.

  • COVID-19 Vaccines: At this time, TRICARE beneficiaries can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free at any retail pharmacy that is offering the vaccine, even if the pharmacy is not a part of the TRICARE pharmacy network. This only applies to the COVID-19 vaccine. Other vaccines are not covered at out-of-network pharmacies.

Military Immunization clinic
Find a military hospital or clinic that offers vaccines.

Civilian and TRICARE authorized providers
Contact your doctor or see a TRICARE authorized provider at a participating network clinic. If you choose one of these options, you may have a copayment for the office visit.

SMART Health Card

Take your COVID-19 vaccine record with you wherever you go.

If we have your COVID-19 vaccine claim information*, you’ll find a record in your Express Scripts® mobile app. You’ll also find your SMART Health Card, a QR code that contains your name, birthdate, and verified vaccine information. Use it to share your vaccine status whenever you need it.**

*We’re working to get more sources of vaccine data so we can show more records.
**SMART Health Card readers may be used when proof of vaccination is needed.

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Stay Safe with Home Delivery

Protect yourself and skip the trip to the pharmacy. You can get your medication delivered right to your door.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are covered through the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. At this time, there is no cost to TRICARE beneficiaries getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all people ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible.

TRICARE beneficiaries can make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a military hospital, clinic, or vaccination site. The availability of the vaccine may vary by location. Beneficiaries can also get vaccinated at any participating local pharmacy, at their civilian provider’s office, or at a vaccination site through their local or state health department.

Follow these steps to get vaccinated at your local pharmacy.

  • Before your visit: Contact your local pharmacy to make sure the vaccine is available and to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
  • What to bring: Military ID, which includes your health insurance information.

Oral Antivirals

Yes. Oral antivirals are covered at no cost to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries when prescribed by a TRICARE-authorized provider.

You can fill your prescriptions for oral antivirals at local retail pharmacies or military pharmacies. Make sure to call your pharmacy to make sure oral antivirals are available at that location.

Testing

COVID-19 tests are not covered under your TRICARE pharmacy benefit. However, TRICARE does cover COVID-19 tests at no cost through your medical insurance plan, when ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider. The test must be FDA-approved (including emergency use authorization).

Full coverage details are available at www.tricare.mil/covid19testing

You’ll have to pay the applicable TRICARE cost-share for any FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 test. To be covered, it must be ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider for a medically necessary purpose, such as exhibition of symptoms. The federal government is no longer offering free at-home tests as of May 11, 2023.

To learn more, visit www.covidtests.gov.

For more information on coronavirus, please visit the official:

CDC website