COVID-19 Vaccination Updates for May 2022

Thursday, May 5, 2022

At Health Net Federal Services, LLC, we want to help keep you informed about COVID-19 vaccines for you and your family. With TRICARE, you can get vaccinated at no cost.  

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There are many benefits to getting vaccinated, including stopping the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, and being more protected from getting sick should you contract the virus.

Are you already fully vaccinated and boosted? 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends a second booster if you:

• Are 50 years of age or older and got your first booster at least four months ago.
• Are 12 years of age or older, moderately or severely immunocompromised, and got your first booster at least four months ago.
• Got two doses of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine at least four months ago.

If I meet criteria, when should I get a booster shot?
You can get a second booster if it has been four months since your first COVID-19 booster.

Which booster shot can I receive?
Those ages 12-17 can only get Pfizer-BioNTech for the second booster. Adults 18 and older can get Pfizer or Moderna for the second booster.

What is the difference between a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and a booster or second booster?
If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends you get a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 28 days after the second shot in the primary vaccine series. Boosters are recommended for everyone ages 12 and older and are generally given at least five months after the primary series completes. If you meet criteria, you can get a second booster four months after your first booster.  

Where can I get the vaccine?
You have options! TRICARE beneficiaries can get the vaccine at:

• Department of Defense (DOD) vaccination sites (including military hospitals and clinics) 
• local and state health department vaccination sites
• civilian provider offices (a separate office visit copayment may apply if other services are rendered)
• retail pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program

Learn more! 

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html    www.tricare.mil/coronavirus    www.tricare-west.com

Stay on track with your health care 
Not ready for an in-person visit? Use our network directory to find providers who offer telehealth in your area. Remember, you can also access telehealth services through our multiple telehealth partners, including Telemynd and Doctor On Demand. Get started at www.tricare-west.com. 

During the COVID-19 stateside pandemic, there are no copayments or cost shares for covered telemedicine care. Referral requirements for telehealth are the same as those for in-person visits.