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 underlying health condition.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the most effective tool against serious illness, hospitalization, and death related to COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyone six months or older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness.
- Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available starting in September 2023.
- 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.
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.
Additional Resources
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Congressional Testimony
Mar 11, 2020
.PDF |
109.27 KB
Terry M. Rauch, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Force Health Protection and Readiness Regarding U.S. Biodefense and Response to the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak [Testified] Before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform
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Last Updated: September 18, 2023