News and updates on COVID-19

Updated, simplified guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has new, simplified recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for higher risk adults, including those who are older or immunocompromised, permitting an additional dose of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine.

Get tested and treated for COVID in one place!

The Biden-Harris administration announced a program of hundreds of “one-stop Test to Treat” locations where, for no cost, people can test for COVID-19 (or bring a positive home test with them) and receive immediate prescriptions and distribution of oral antiviral medication.

Resources for Long COVID

Most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks, but some continue to have symptoms—or develop new ones—after their initial recovery, known as “long COVID.” People with long COVID are often called “long haulers”, and people of all ages who have had COVID-19 can later develop a post-virus condition.

TRICARE policy for at-home COVID testing

Starting January 15, 2022, private health insurers must cover the cost of eight at-home COVID-19 tests per month. However, this policy will not apply to TRICARE. TRICARE will only cover an at-home COVID test if a TRICARE-authorized provider prescribes it. If you buy an at-home test without a prescription, TRICARE will not cover it.

First oral treatment, Paxlovid, authorized for emergency use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Paxlovid for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children over 12. Paxlovid is covered for TRICARE beneficiaries if ordered by a provider.