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.
- Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the most effective tool to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The CDC recommends the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine for everyone six months and older. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to all U.S. citizens and residents. Visit the CDC website for more information.
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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5/16/2023
The Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 expired at the end of May 11. You might be wondering what this means about the state of COVID-19 or if there are changes to your TRICARE coverage.
Article Around MHS
12/19/2022
"Tis the season, and respiratory illnesses are on the rise. Learn critical health guidance about the viral triple threat of COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold, and the commonsense steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Article Around MHS
12/5/2022
A collaborative study between researchers at Naval Medical Research Center and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Princeton University has highlighted immune response differences in the coronavirus infection responses between male and female patients.
Article Around MHS
10/24/2022
There are two vaccines you should consider getting this Fall, and now you can get them both at the same time.
Article Around MHS
10/20/2022
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic–when there were no vaccines, a shortage of health care workers, and hospitals were beyond capacity– the U.S. health care system needed help. Here's one of many ways the Department of Defense answered the call.
Article Around MHS
9/8/2022
The 86th Medical Group is now offering the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, which has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to members 18 years and older in the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
Article Around MHS
2/18/2022
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Latasha Smith, an Airman assigned to the 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, was celebrated as Airlifter of the Week, Jan. 27, 2022, after leading the assault against COVID-19 for over a year.
Article Around MHS
2/11/2022
The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency is helping to protect the operational force by distributing several new therapeutic options that help to lessen the symptoms of mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 and keep Soldiers, their families and beneficiaries out of the hospital.
Article Around MHS
2/10/2022
A team composed of U.S. Navy medical personnel and civilian technicians based out of the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, assembled during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 to study the short and long-term effects that the virus has on Marines.
Article Around MHS
2/8/2022
The U.S. Guard Coast is that we have vaccines to help prevent serious illness if you contract COVID-19.
Article Around MHS
1/27/2022
Hundreds of Oregon National Guard members are increasing support of hospitals throughout the state in their second hospital relief mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article Around MHS
1/25/2022
One of the more challenging jobs for any public health professional is dealing with unpredictability inherent in outbreaks like the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Article Around MHS
1/18/2022
First responders and those fighting on the medical battleground have earned well-deserved recognition for their efforts.
Article Around MHS
12/30/2021
Air Force Senior Airman Marcus Bullock stated his reason for getting the vaccine was to help his mother and son be able to have a play date again.
Article Around MHS
12/13/2021
Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Tessa Hazard, a respiratory therapist, recently deployed to Alabama as a member of a COVID-19 response team.
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Last Updated: May 04, 2023