Influenza Vaccine Availability

Influenza vaccinations are covered as a TRICARE benefit. Follow the TRICARE guidance in this link to be advised at no-cost options vs. co-pay options: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine.

TRICARE has a link for civilian locations where flu vaccine may be received at https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine.

There is no co-pay if vaccine is received at an MTF or from a civilian pharmacist. There will likely be a co-pay if vaccine is administered in association with a provider visit. Please see the following link for more information: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine.

It varies by state rules. We strongly encourage contacting the pharmacy prior to your visit to understand any age restrictions they may have. 

Yes, if they are beneficiaries under TRICARE insurance program, they are eligible for this benefit. If vaccine is received at a civilian location, it should be visible in the Service Readiness systems within 48-72 hours but proof of vaccine receipt may also be transcribed into the Service system.

Yes, all federal employees, as a benefit of the federal employee health insurance programs, are eligible to receive an annual influenza vaccine at a retail pharmacy with no out-of-pocket costs.

Yes. DoD has purchased vaccine specifically formulated for those over the age of 65 years. 

The FluMist manufacturer continues to have limited influenza vaccine production and it will not be widely available in the U.S. DoD decided to purchase all injectable vaccine this season.

The current US population is over 327 million. TRICARE serves 9.5 million beneficiaries, approximately 3% of the U.S. population. Therefore, DoD doesn’t have the purchase power that the civilian medical markets have.

Each year the Services review and vote on the distribution list. Locations overseas, ships afloat, and deployed personnel are high priority for delivery of the first vaccine delivered to DoD in August. Once those locations are fulfilled, vaccine is prioritized by each individual Service for delivery to their locations in CONUS in support of all active and reserve locations. 

The Commander of the installation.

See https://www.health.mil/flu.