JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - In episode 42 of "The Air Force Starts Here" podcast, the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine is discussed by the team at the 59th Medical Wing.
The Federal Drug Administration authorize two COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, for emergency use authorization. As of January 15, 2021, the DoD is administering the vaccine in phases due to limited availability of initial vaccine doses.
The first phase will distribute and administer vaccines at select locations, which included the 59th Medical Wing at Join Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas. To answer all of the questions our Airmen have, Maj. Gen. (Dr.) John DeGoes, commander of the 59thh Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland took to Facebook for a live virtual town hall.
Joining him on the panel included CMSgt Marc Schoellkopf, 59th Medical Wing command chief; Col. (Dr) Heather Yun, deputy commander Medical Services at Brooke Army Medical Center; Lt. Col. (Dr) Kevin White, 59th Medical Wing COVID-19 vaccine coordinator; and SSgt Amanda Wimberly, 802d Military Working Dog handler.
The vaccine will be offered on a voluntary basis. Priority populations are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Be sure to follow your unit for information on distribution specific to your area.
Remember, the intent of the vaccine is to prevent the spread of COVID 19. We will still need to wear cloth face covings and practice physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus. It is also very important to get the influenza vaccine. For more information on the COVID 19 vaccine you can visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.
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