COVID Guidance

What to do if you're a TRICARE beneficiary

It's still important to follow CDC guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The more steps you and your family can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the safer you'll be.

It’s also important to identify the symptoms of COVID-19 and know when to seek help. COVID-19 affects people in different ways. Infected people have reported a wide range of symptoms–from mild symptoms to severe illness. Do you think you may have COVID-19?  Use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Coronavirus Self-Checker.

If your assessment instructs you to seek emergency care:

• Dial 911. Tell the 911 dispatcher that you may have COVID-19.
• Go to the emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention.. If you can, call ahead to tell them you may have COVID-19.

Your assessment may also show you have symptoms associated with COVID-19. If you’re concerned about these symptoms or any non-COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have other health questions, you can:

• Call the MHS Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
• Contact your primary care manager or your regional contractor. You can use secure messaging, if available. Call your military hospital or clinic hotline for advice.
• Call your military hospital or clinic appointment line and ask to speak with your team nurse.
• Schedule a virtual appointment with your primary care manager using your patient portal. Many civilian providers offer virtual telehealth appointments, too.

COVID Vaccines

The CDC recommends the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to all U.S. citizens and residents. Visit the CDC website for more information.

If you have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, you may contact the DHA Immunization Healthcare Support Center at 1-877-GET-VACC (1-877-438-8222) option 1 or Defense Switched Network (DSN) 761-4245, option 1, if you have questions about the vaccines or about an adverse event following vaccination.

Where can I get a vaccine?
The availability of a COVID bivalent vaccine may vary by location. Eligible TRICARE beneficiaries can make a COVID-19 bivalent vaccination appointment at a military hospital, clinic, or vaccination site. This includes US Family Health Plan (USFHP) enrollees.

You can also get a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine at:

• Local or state health department COVID-19 vaccination sites.
• Your civilian provider.
  • East Region
  • West Region
  • Overseas
  • USFHP
• Pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, participating pharmacies, and vaccination sites, which can include local convenience store chains and grocery stores.
• The COVID-19 bivalent vaccines are offered at no cost, but there may be a cost based on your plan for an office visit or if you require follow-on care. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Testing Getting Care COVID-19 FAQs

If you think you have COVID-19, try one of the Test to Treat locations for:

• Free COVID-19 testing, and
• Get a prescription for a COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment

Find your closest Test to Treat location.