JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Medical personnel on Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, began administering doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to medical providers and first responders on the installation Jan. 8, 2021.
The Langley Hospital and MacDonald Army Health Center received the first shipments of the vaccines through the Department of Defense and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distribution and administration plans as part of Operation Warp Speed. Under the current temporary emergency authorizations, taking the vaccine remains voluntary for DOD personnel and beneficiaries. The DOD prioritization plan prioritizes groups based on exposure risk and health factors.
“The health of our community remains the top priority as we continue the fight against COVID-19,” said Col. Clinton Ross, JBLE installation commander. “In addition to the preventative measures our community has taken over the past several months, and the tireless efforts of our frontline workers, this vaccine is an imperative step toward a safe environment and the ability to continue our mission here at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.”
Over the next several months, JBLE Medical Treatment Facilities will continue to administer the vaccine using a phased approach to ensure first responders, mission-essential personnel, deploying forces and individuals with serious illnesses are among the first to receive the vaccine. As supplies of the vaccine increase, so will the availability of doses for the remainder of the population.
According to JBLE medical professionals, the vaccines are a huge step in the right direction toward lowering COVID-19 infection and transmission rates.
“Taking this vaccine protects our families, our teammates, our community and gets us on a path to defeating this virus,” said Col. Craig Keyes, 633rd Medical Group commander. “COVID-19 is deadly and we don’t know yet if the virus also causes long term health effects. So we encourage everyone to take a hard look at the facts and consider getting vaccinated when possible.”
Although initial vaccinations are underway, it is important that all personnel continue to wear masks, maintain personal hygiene, and practice social distancing
For more information on DoD’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts visit: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Vaccine-Availability/