Health Services

COVID-19 Vaccine Availability

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to all U.S. citizens and residents. Visit the CDC website for more information.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free.
  • Getting the vaccine can reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalizations and long-term complications for COVID-19
  • For children, the vaccine can also curb community transmission and reduce disruptions to in-person learning activities.
 
To learn more, visit the CDC website to get answers to frequently asked questions, see Interim Clinical Considerations, and bust myths about vaccines.

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

  • The Hematology Clinic vaccine site has closed. Vaccinations can now be received in beneficiary Primary Care Clinics and Community Based Medical Homes. Please contact your Primary Care Clinic or Community Based Medical Home through secure messaging at patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil, or by phone to schedule your vaccination. Active Duty Service Members can contact Bennett SCMH at (254) 618-8040/(254) 288-6929 or Thomas Moore SCMH at (254) 553-8674 to schedule their vaccination. All eligible beneficiaries (Active Duty, Family Members, Retirees, and DoD Personnel) can received the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. The 1st and 2nd dose vaccinations are available for all DoD Eligible beneficiaries 12 years and older, and the booster dose for beneficiaries 16 years and older. Please contact your primary care clinic home for an appointment.
  • Booster shots are available for individuals who received their 2nd Pfizer or Modena vaccine at least 6 months ago. For additional information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
  • Our COVID-19 Pediatric vaccinations for children 5 to 11 are offered in the Pediatric Clinic, Clinic 1 on the first floor of the hospital. For appointments please call 254-553-3523 and walk-ins are welcome. Please visit www.vaccines.gov to locate a network pharmacy that offers COVID vaccines for children outside of our clinic.
  • All Active Duty are to report to their assigned home clinics for COVID-19 testing during sick call hours 6:30 am to 10:00 a.m.
  • The Community Based Medical Homes offer limited testing for patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Beneficiaries can book appointments online or by phone. Clinics will screen patients IAW DOD guidelines.
  • The Emergency Department (ED) does not perform routine Covid-19 testing; however, does offer official travel and OCONUS PCS 48-hour testing after regular duty hours. For more information call 254-288-8114.
  • Beneficiaries can contact their PCM through Secure Messaging Service, MHS GENESIS Online Patient Portal, and/or Patient Appointment Line (254) 288-8888.
  • MHS Nurse Advice Line (1-800-TRICARE) is available 24/7.

DOD COVID-19 Vaccine Service Member Mandate

COVID-19 vaccines are required for all members of the armed forces on active duty or in the Reserve or Guard components, including pregnant service members, according to DOD. Each service decides their own deadline for vaccination.
  • If you’re a service member and have received a COVID-19 vaccine from a non-DOD provider, make sure to update your medical records.
  • If you haven’t received your COVID vaccine yet, schedule your vaccine as soon as possible.
  • Find a DOD COVID Vaccine Location near you.
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, contact your unit commander.

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by CDC.
 Vaccine recommendations are based on your age, the vaccine you first received, and time since last dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech (bivalent) booster is authorized for people -5 years of age and older.
  • The Moderna (bivalent) booster is authorized for people 6 years of age and older.
 People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — those who have had a primary vaccine series — and people who’ve had a primary series plus one or two additional boosters are eligible to get one of these new updated (bivalent) boosters. Find more information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.  

Concerns about the vaccine?

Speak with a Vaccine Expert. You may contact the DHA-Immunization Healthcare Support Center at 1-877-GET-VACC (1-877-438-8222) option 1 or Defense Switch Network (DSN) 761-4245, option 1, if you have questions about the vaccines or about an adverse event following vaccination.
Visit the CDC Website for current COVID-19 booster guidance.
Visit the TRICARE website for information about the COVID-19 vaccine.