Are you a National Guard or Selected Reserve member with questions about how to get the COVID-19 vaccine? TRICARE has the answers you’re looking for.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly encouraged, but it isn’t mandatory for service members. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine as a way to protect yourself as well as a key tool in ending the national emergency. Recipients in the United States cannot be charged for the vaccine as long as the federal government continues to pay for the vaccine. 

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering the vaccine in phases based upon CDC guidance and the needs of the DoD. Check the TRICARE COVID-19 vaccine page to learn more about the initial phases. 

“The goal is to keep you healthy as well as to build immunity across the force rapidly,” said U.S. Army Col. Stephen Rogers, director of Reserve Component Medical Programs and Policy with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. “We encourage all Reserve Component members to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”

In addition to non‑DoD sources in their local communities, members of the Selected Reserve (including National Guard), can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free at military hospitals, clinics, and other DoD vaccination sites.

You should follow guidance from your chain of command if you wish to get the COVID‑19 vaccine at your nearby military hospital or clinic. You don’t have to be in a duty status if you want to get the COVID-19 vaccine from a non‑DoD source in your local community. If you get the vaccine outside of a military hospital or clinic, be sure that you report it to your unit so they have a record of your vaccination.

TRICARE Reserve Select members and their covered family members can get the COVID-19 vaccine from TRICARE providers and retail pharmacies in the United States. Reserve Component members activated for more than 30 days should follow guidance from their chain of command. 

For more COVID-19 information, check out this TRICARE page and the CDC website. To be sure you don’t miss more COVID-19 vaccine news as it becomes available, sign up for email alerts.

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