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COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Illness can range from mild to severe, though not everyone infected with the virus develops symptoms.
- Some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. This includes people who are older, immunocompromised, have certain disabilities or have an underlying health condition.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The CDC recommends the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
- Everyone ages 5 years and older should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Children aged 6 months to 4 years need multiple doses to be up-to-date, including at least on does of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses.
Check with your military hospital or clinic or health care provider for availability and how to schedule an appointment to get the vaccine. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the CDC website.
Concerns about the vaccine?
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 DSN 761-4245, option 1, if you have questions about the vaccines or about an adverse event after getting the vaccine.
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Policy
Dec 17, 2020
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574.09 KB
This memorandum provides guidance for a COVID-19 laboratory pre-testing questionnaire that will be mandatory for all Active Duty Service members and encouraged for all other DOD beneficiaries treated at military medical treatment facilities.
- Identification #: N/A
- Type: Memorandum
Article
Dec 16, 2020
While Pfizer’s vaccine is being distributed to all U.S. jurisdictions for administration, several more candidates are in development and clinical trials continue to be conducted simultaneously with pharmaceutical partners.
Article
Dec 15, 2020
[T]he first doses of the vaccine will be given to frontline health care workers and first responders, including emergency medical services personnel, security forces, and other essential personnel.
Article
Dec 15, 2020
"This is a very important day, not just for the Department of Defense, but for our nation," Miller said before getting his vaccination.
Article
Dec 14, 2020
“We can do a thousand tests in just a couple hours,” Keller said. It was an example of ingenuity taking place all over the country, with members of the Military Health System partnering with civilian hospitals and clinics.
Article
Dec 14, 2020
CCP has a one-year shelf life, so collected units will begin to expire in 2021.
Article
Dec 11, 2020
The FDA announced on Dec. 8 that its review of the Pfizer vaccine found it to be safe and efficacious.
Article
Dec 10, 2020
The Military Health System has played an important role implementing the National Defense Strategy, Norquist said.
Article
Dec 10, 2020
DOD is expected to receive around 44,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the initial phase.
Article
Dec 9, 2020
For Dingle, readiness is the key issue during the transition.
Article
Dec 9, 2020
The Department prioritizes DOD personnel to receive the vaccine based on CDC guidance.
Article
Dec 8, 2020
"The whole point of public health is to prevent any type of spread."
Article
Dec 8, 2020
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the MHS had embarked on reforms and initiatives to improve its medical support to the armed services.
Policy
Dec 7, 2020
This memorandum provides guidance on the provision of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the lead coordinating DOD Component for executing this guidance, in coordination with the Military Departments and other DOD Components.
- Identification #: N/A
- Type: Memorandum
Video
Nov 27, 2020
During Warrior Care Month, we reflect on the strength and resilience of our nation's wounded, ill, and injured service members, and recognize the caregivers who support their recovery and rehabilitation.
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Last Updated: February 16, 2024