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Army Spc. Angel Laureano holds a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Dec. 14, 2020. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)
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COVID-19

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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May 10, 2021

Ask the Doc: COVID Courageous

Spc. Andrew Buchtan, 1-4 Infantry Regiment medic, vaccinates Command Sgt. Maj. Deondre Long, Battalion Command Sergeant Major of 1-4 Infantry Regiment. Long said “I got the vaccination shot today because I did not want my leadership style to change. I am an engaged leader. The shot will enable me to develop a better relationship with my soldiers. It will help better interact with them without a standoffish leadership.” (US Army photo by Sgt. Julian Padua).

Dear Doc: I was afraid about getting my COVID vaccine at first and even entertained the thought of not getting it at all, but now that most of my friends and coworkers have gotten their first dose and some have even gotten their second, I think I'm ready. It seems pretty safe. That being said, now I need to know what I'm supposed to do to get it done. ...

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Last Updated: February 16, 2024
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