COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is currently available to all TRICARE service members only (with exception to pediatric doses for ages 5-11). The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people 5 years and older. Tricare beneficiaries are welcome to acquire a vaccine off-post with a non-DOD provider, however, beneficiaries must make sure to update their medical records. Here are website locations to provide more information on where to get vaccinated within the El Paso community:
www.epcovidvaccine.com
www.elpasotrong.org
www.immunizeelpaso.org
www.vaccines.gov
DOD COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
The DOD now requires COVID-19 vaccines for all members of the Armed Forces under DOD authority on active duty or in the Ready Reserve, including the National Guard, who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes pregnant service members.
If you’re a service member and you’ve 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 you can.
- Find a DOD COVID Vaccine Location near you
The DOD already requires all service members to get other types of vaccines before they join the military. There are very narrow religious and medical exemptions available on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions, contact your unit commander.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Children
Getting your children vaccinated can help protect them against COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities by helping curb community transmission. Vaccination also reduces risk of:
- Severe disease
- Hospitalizations
- Long-term COVID-19 complications
The CDC recommends that children ages 12 to 15 receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and children ages 5 to 11 receive a pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 21-days apart. Each dose contains 10mcg of the vaccine, which is one third the adult dose.
If you are unsure whether the vaccine is right for your children, we recommend you discuss your child’s medical conditions, including prior reaction to vaccines, with a medical provider.
WBAMC is currently providing pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations at Mendoza Clinic. All TRICARE pediatric beneficiaries are welcome regardless of assigned clinic. Parents who wish for their children to be vaccinated against COVID-19 must make an appointment by calling the appointment line at 915-742-2273. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Are You a DOD Civilian Employee?
All DOD civilian employees were required to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, 2021, subject to exemptions as required by law.
(See SecDef Memo)
- Employees are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after completing the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or 2 weeks after receiving a single dose of a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
- New DoD civilian employees must be fully vaccinated by their entry on duty (start) date or Nov. 22, 2021, whichever is later.
How to get an appointment:
There are two ways to make your appointment for the COVID-19 Vaccine.
1. TRICARE Online. TRICARE beneficiaries can log into the TOL portal at https://www.tricareonline.com The TOL Guide can assist patients in the steps to make the appointment.
Download the TOL COVID Vaccination Instructions.pdf by clicking here!
2. WBAMC Appointment line. DoD employees and TRICARE beneficiaries without access to the TOL portal can call the appointment line at 915-742-2273 to make a COVID-19 Vaccine appointment.
No appointment is needed for the main vaccination site at Milam Gym. Walk-ins only are allowed.
However, pediatric vaccinations for COVID-19 must have an appointment.
We are enforcing COVID-19 prevention and CDC guidelines such as social distancing, wearing an appropriate mask, and temperature checks at vaccination sites, when open.
WBAMC has afforded the opportunity for first-dose patients to make their second-dose appointment (as close to 21 days apart) at the vaccination site and the Mendoza pediatric clinic for pediatric patients, if they choose to do so.
Vaccine Site Location:
Mendoza Clinic
Operations will begin Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Closed on federal holidays and DONSAs
Pediatric vaccine:
Mendoza Clinic (Pediatric, for ages 5-11)
By appointment only, no walk-ins.
Please call appointment line at 915-742-2273 to schedule.
