On Jan. 31, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued formal licensure of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine also known as Spikevax for people ages 18 and up. This is the second vaccine to receive FDA-approval, following the licensure of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, now called COMIRNATY® in August 2021. This licensure is based on rigorous studies demonstrating efficacy and safety through data collected since the vaccine development.
Following CDC guidance, DOD will continue to adjust health protection protocols to the local conditions of the communities in which we serve. The Department’s priorities include:
- Protecting our Service members, DOD civilians, and families
- Safeguarding our national security capabilities
- Supporting the whole-of-nation response to the COVID-19 pandemic
The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age six months and older. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you, your family, your community and our nation. Eligible and authorized TRICARE beneficiaries can make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, as available, at a DOD vaccination site.
COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit Page
TRICARE Beneficiary Information
DOD Vaccine Mandates
COVID-19 vaccines are required for all members of the armed forces on active duty or in the Reserve or Guard components, including pregnant service members, according to DOD. Each service decides their own deadline for vaccination.
- If you’re a service member and you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine from a non-DOD provider, make sure to update your medical records.
- If you haven’t received your COVID vaccine yet, schedule your vaccine as soon as you can.
- Find a DOD COVID Vaccine Location near you
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, contact your unit commander.
Vaccine Safety
COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Omicron variant.
The CDC confirms COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and recommend that all people 5 years and older get COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.
Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccine development has processes and procedures in place to help ensure the safety of any vaccine authorized for use. Vaccines for COVID-19 are only available after they are:
- Demonstrated to be safe and effective in large phase three clinical trials
- Authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Manufactured and distributed safely and securely
Visit the CDC Website to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.
Concerns about the vaccine?
Speak with a Vaccine Expert. You may contact the DHA-Immunization Healthcare Support Center at 1-877-GET-VACC (1-877-438-8222) option 1 or Defense Switch Network (DSN) 761-4245, option 1, if you have questions about the vaccines or about an adverse event following vaccination.