COVID-19 Guidance

COVID-19 Treatment

It’s 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.

If you need emergency care:

• Dial 911.
• Go to the emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention..

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have other health questions, you can:

• Call the MHS Nurse Advice Line at 800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
• Contact your primary care manager. You can use secure messaging through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, if preferred.
• Contact your regional contractor via their customer service number.
• 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 health appointments, too.

To get care or testing for COVID-19, follow the rules of your TRICARE health plan. Call your regional contractor or your military hospital or clinic for more information.

Get Your 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine

The 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people ages 6 months and older based on shared clinical decision-making.

• Shared clinical decision-making recommendations are individually based and informed by a decision process between the health care provider and the patient or parent or other legally authorized representative.
• The CDC defines a health care provider as anyone who provides or administers vaccines: primary care physicians, specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and pharmacists.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness and hospitalization. It also reduces your risk of getting Long COVID. 

It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you: 

• Have never previously received the COVID-19 vaccine
• Are age 65 years or older
• Are at high risk for severe COVID-19
• Are living in a long-term care facility
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future

Where To Get Your Vaccine

Check with your military hospital or clinic, pharmacy, or health care provider for availability. They can tell you how to schedule an appointment to get the vaccine.