Skip to main content

Military Health System

Are You Prepared for Flu Season? Let TRICARE Help.

Image of A hospital corpsman administers an influenza vaccination to an airman as part of a seasonal shot exercise onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella. A hospital corpsman administers an influenza vaccination to an airman as part of a seasonal shot exercise onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Total Force Fitness

Flu season is here once again. Are you prepared? With the COVID-19 Delta variant continuing to spread and our health care system overburdened, it's important for all of us to help combat the spread of flu. And the best way to do so is to get a flu shot.

"Getting the flu vaccine is about far more than just protecting yourself," said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Christopher Ellison, deputy director of operations for the Defense Health Agency Immunization Healthcare Division. "Even healthy people have a responsibility to reduce the overall impact of respiratory diseases on the population, particularly the most vulnerable members."

Who needs a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. If you're at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, it's particularly important to get the vaccine. People at high risk for flu-related complications if they get sick include adults age 65 and over, people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, infants, and young children. If you aren't sure if you should get the flu vaccine, talk to your doctor.

Where can I get a flu shot?

TRICARE covers the flu vaccine. You can get a vaccine at no cost in three ways:

1. At a military hospital or clinic

You can get your flu shot at your local military hospital or clinic. The vaccine will continue to be available at military facilities through the entire flu season. Flu season usually runs from October through May. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February. Getting vaccinated now can lower your chances of getting the flu.

Did you schedule your COVID-19 vaccine through the Defense Health Agency Appointing Portal(DAP)? You can now use DAP to schedule your flu vaccine at a military hospital or clinic close to you.

2. At a participating TRICARE retail network pharmacy

If you get your flu vaccine at a TRICARE retail network pharmacy, the pharmacist must administer the vaccine for it to be covered by TRICARE. Search online or call 1-877-363-1303 to find a retail network pharmacy in the U.S. and most U.S. territories.

If you get your vaccine at a non-network pharmacy, you may have out-of-pocket expenses and need to file a claim for reimbursement. If you're overseas, a non-network pharmacy may be your only option. Visit Pharmacy Claims for information on how you can file a claim.

3. Using a TRICARE-authorized provider

You can go to a TRICARE-authorized provider at a participating network onsite clinic. If you go to your doctor for the vaccine, you'll need to pay your copayment or cost-share for the office visit. If you get the flu vaccine administered by a TRICARE-authorized non-network provider, you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses and need to file a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to follow the rules of your TRICARE plan. To find a TRICARE provider near you, use Find a Doctor to search the provider directory.

Remember, the flu vaccine can lower your risk for serious illness, hospitalization, or death from flu viruses. Once vaccinated, you should still remember to keep good health habits to reduce the spread of flu. These include:

  • Washing your hands frequently
  • Covering your cough or sneeze
  • Avoiding contact with your nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Avoiding people who are sick
  • Staying home if you have flu-like symptoms

Protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu vaccine. Take command of your health with TRICARE, and learn how you can get the flu vaccine.

You also may be interested in...

Military Pharmacists Face Unique Challenges While Deployed

Article
1/12/2023
Military pharmacist counting pills

Deployed pharmacists are responsible for every medication used in their clinic. That includes preparing medication kits for medics on patrol, helping prepare aeromedical evacuation patients, normal outpatient prescriptions, and in some locations, even snakebite antidotes.

Recommended Content:

TRICARE Pharmacy Operations | Health Readiness & Combat Support

Incidence and Management of Chronic Insomnia, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021

Article
1/1/2023
Incidence and Management of Chronic Insomnia, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021

Incidence and Management of Chronic Insomnia, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012 to 2021.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Public Health | Medical Surveillance Monthly Report

Increased Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Incidence of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Active Component Service Members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021

Article
1/1/2023
Trends in the incidence of eating disorders among active component service members, 2017 to 2021.

Increased Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Incidence of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Active Component Service Members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Public Health | Medical Surveillance Monthly Report

Trends in the Incidence of Eating Disorders Among Active Component Service Members, 2017 to 2021

Article
1/1/2023
Changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and in the incidence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, active component service members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2018 to 2021.

Trends in the Incidence of Eating Disorders Among Active Component Service Members, 2017 to 2021.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Public Health | Medical Surveillance Monthly Report

How the U.S. Military Acclimates Units to High-Altitude Operations

Article
11/28/2022
Service members on a mountain

The Military Health System takes measures to prevent and mitigate altitude sickness in service members operating at high altitudes. For best results, it’s key to acclimate units gradually and progressively.

Recommended Content:

Total Force Fitness | Health Readiness & Combat Support

Lifestyle Changes Could Add 10-15 Years to Your Life

Article
11/8/2022
A female Navy physical therapist works with a senior citizen lying on a table holding a ball.

You're never too old to start being more physically active and eating healthier, which can add years to your life.

Recommended Content:

Preventive Health | Total Force Fitness

Bulgarian Armed Forces Demonstrate Combat Medical Advancements

Article
8/22/2022
Two medics tend to a dummy in a simulated emergency.

Bulgarian Armed Forces showed off their combat lifesaving training to a U.S. delegation Aug. 10.

Recommended Content:

Education & Training | Health Readiness & Combat Support | Global Health Engagement

How Performance Nutrition Can Help You Maintain Readiness

Article
7/29/2022
A person serving himself a salad

Performance nutrition is a major key to force readiness.

Recommended Content:

Performance Nutrition: Fuel Your Body and Mind | Total Force Fitness | Nutritional Fitness

DHA Program Supports Training Education of Future Medical Providers

Article
7/20/2022
Military personnel looking at display

The Clinical Investigations Program combines research and training to teach and develop the future clinicians of the Military Health System.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Education & Training | Health Care Technology

The Need for Speed Requires Intense Training

Article
7/18/2022
 Military personnel conducts routine ops in US 3rd Fleet

Tom Cruise has nothing on real military pilots and their training.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Education & Training | Physical Fitness

Army Experts: Rabies Risk is Not Worth It

Article
7/5/2022
Army Experts: Rabies Risk is Not Worth It

Almost 60,000 people around the world die from rabies each year. Despite the common belief that rabid animals are easily identified by foaming at the mouth and aggressive behavior, infected animals may not look sick or act strangely.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Public Health | Rabies

Final Days in Afghanistan: Lab Techs Stepped Up to Support Withdrawal

Article
6/30/2022
Final Days in Afghanistan Lab Techs Stepped Up to Support Withdrawal

“Prior to the attack, teams were preparing to leave the area. Suddenly, everything changed, and our main goal shifted from COVID-19 support to blood supply and triage.”

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support

How Drones Will Transform Battlefield Medicine – and Save Lives

Article
6/23/2022
Drones carrying fresh blood products to wounded troops on the front lines may be critical for military medicine in a conflict against a "near-peer" adversary.

Emerging technology may use drones to deliver blood products for wounded troops on the front lines of combat. That capability may be critical in a "near-peer" conflict.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support

How MHS GENESIS will become essential to patients' health journey

Article
6/21/2022
Dr. Robert Marshall, program director of the Department of Defense Clinical Informatics Fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Ensuring proper training of both providers and patients is essential for the successful integration and sustainment of MHS GENESIS into MHS care.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Health Care Technology | MHS GENESIS Pre-Deployment Awareness | MHS GENESIS: The Electronic Health Record | MHS GENESIS

Tactical Diaper Bags and Other Fathers' Day Tips from a Marine Officer

Article
6/16/2022
Tortorici Family_725

“When we deploy, our lives become simpler, while theirs become more complex: In addition to missing their husband and father, they are missing someone who should be helping to shoulder the burden that military life places on kids.”

Recommended Content:

Total Force Fitness
<< < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > >> 
Showing results 1 - 15 Page 1 of 9
Refine your search
Last Updated: February 09, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery