HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Starting this week, the 482nd Fighter Wing will start administering the COVID-19 vaccine to its members. Following Centers for Disease Control guidelines, personnel such as first responders, medical personnel, and deployers will receive the vaccine first.
“Our number one priority is to take care of Americans, Airmen, and their families. Having the COVID-19 vaccine provides better protection for the individual readiness of each Reserve Citizen Airman.” said Col. David Castaneda, 482nd FW Commander.
According to the 482nd Medical Squadron, they will receive a small amount of the vaccine this week with plans to start inoculating by January 22. MDS has developed a safe and effective process to administer the vaccine following base social distancing protocols.
In accordance with Department of Defense guidelines, the vaccine is NOT mandatory.
However, top officers and enlisted leaders of all the Armed Forces and the top military doctors all agree with the recommendation of the CDC that eligible people get vaccinated now.
According to the CDC, the vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19. Below are some points to consider when making a decision to get the vaccine:
- All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.
- All COVID-19 vaccines that are in development are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19. Learn more about how federal partners are ensuring COVID-19 vaccines work.
- Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
FAQs
How do I know what prioritization tier I am in to receive the vaccine?
Initial vaccination will commence with medics, firefighters, security forces, and deployers. Continued inoculation with the base personnel to include our mission partners will occur as soon as we receive additional shipments.
Do I have to get the vaccine?
The vaccine is not mandatory at this time. To support overall readiness and once available, the vaccine is strongly encouraged for the health of our Air Force Reserve Forces.
Should Reservists (ARTs, IMAs or traditional) be in military status when receiving the vaccine?
It is recommended to be in military status when being administered the vaccine if/when required for military readiness. If an ART, TR or IMA is able to get the vaccine from a civilian provider and he or she voluntarily chooses to do so, he or she does not need to be in military status.
What vaccine will the wing be administering?
We are unsure at this time if it will be the Pfizer or Moderna. Regardless of which vaccine the MDS receives, it is imperative that personnel receiving the initial dose be mindful of their schedule to receive the secondary dose at the 21 or 28 day interval.
Read the FDA's fact sheet for more information.
How will my vaccination be recorded?
If you elect to receive the vaccine, you will be provided a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the details of your vaccine after it is administered and this same detailed information will also be placed on your screening form and scanned into your medical records.
What do I need to do if I receive the vaccination from a civilian provider?
Personnel (military and civilian) receiving the vaccination at an outside location will need to notify/provide a copy of the CDC vaccination record to the MDS for inclusion into their medical record.
Am I eligible to get the vaccine if I have already had and recovered from COVID-19?
Because the duration of immunity from natural infection with COVID-19 is unknown, this vaccine may have value in protecting people who have already had the disease.
Do I still have to wear a mask after I get the vaccine?
Unfortunately masks and physical distancing will still be necessary until a large proportion of the population is vaccinated and the vaccine is proven to provide long-term protection. Receiving the vaccine is no reason for not to continuing good health habits, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. Remember, some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
For specific questions related to the vaccine and COVID-19, click here.