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 websitegoes to CDC website.
Get Your 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine
- The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people ages 6 months and older based on shared clinical decision-making.
- Shared clinical decision-making recommendations are individually based and informed by a decision process between the health care provider and the patient or parent or other legally authorized representative.
- The CDC defines a health care provider as anyone who provides or administers vaccines: primary care physicians, specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and pharmacists.
- The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness and hospitalization. It also reduces your risk of getting Long COVID.
- It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you:
- Have never previously received a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Are ages 65 years and older.
- Are at high risk for severe COVID-19.
- Are living in a long-term care facility.
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.
Where to Get Your Vaccine
Check with your military hospital or clinic, pharmacy, or health care provider for availability. They can tell you how to schedule an appointment to get 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.
COVID-19: A Crisis Like No Other
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This Practice Management Guide does not supersede DOD Policy. It is based upon the best information available at the time of publication. It is designed to provide information and assist decision making. It is not intended to define a standard of care and should not be construed as one. Neither should it be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive ...
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Last Updated: December 16, 2025