According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications each year in the United States, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. The best way to fight the flu is to get vaccinated.

TRICARE covers the flu vaccine based on the CDC’s current flu season guidelines. Anyone who wants to decrease his or her chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated, but the CDC recommends that people in certain high-risk categories get vaccinated every year. These include:

• Children ages 6 months through 18 years
• Pregnant women
• People age 50 and older
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including health care workers, household contacts of other people at high risk and household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months old

The flu shot is approved for people age 6 months and older, and the nasal spray vaccine (FluMist®) is an option for healthy people ages 2–49 years who are not pregnant. In order to be covered by TRICARE, the flu vaccine and other vaccines must be administered in a doctor’s office. Vaccines can also be administered at one of the convenient MinuteClinics located in select CVS Pharmacies throughout the South Region. Flu vaccines are not covered by TRICARE when provided at other civilian pharmacies, drug stores or supermarkets.

Protect yourself and your family from the flu this season—make an appointment with your health care provider today to get vaccinated. Military treatment facilities (MTFs) may also offer flu vaccines.

Note: Active duty and reserve personnel must receive vaccinations at an MTF. This will ensure their immunization records are complete and their compliance with Department of Defense immunization policy is documented.

For more information about the flu and vaccination guidelines, visit the "Immunizations” section on the beneficiary portal.