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Army Support of the COVID-19 Vaccination

Friday, March 5, 2021

What is it?

The Army’s role in the COVID-19 fight includes medical research and development, protecting the people and maintaining readiness and supporting the Federal Vaccine Program nationwide.

The Army is administing the vaccination to Soldiers, Department of Army Civilians, Family members and contractors in accordance with the DOD Phase Vaccination Plan. The vaccine greatly reduces one’s chance of getting the the COVID-19 virus and greatly diminishes the virus’ effects if infected. Receiving the vaccine is the first step to returning the nation to normal.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

The Army remains steadfast in its commitment to support the whole-of-government response to COVID-19 while continuing to defend the homeland.

The Army has developed and implemented systems and is using resources to conduct collective training at the platoon, company, battalion and brigade levels on Army installations. Training allows Soldiers to remain ready to fight and support the nation.

The Army is:

  • Providing medical and support personnel to augment federal vaccination sites at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help with the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. Across the Department of Defense, more than 1,110 personnel have deployed to support vaccination sites nationwide at the request of FEMA.

  • Ensuring that all personnel have the most up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent, test for, treat and control the spread of the virus.

  • Army Senior Leaders, including the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of the Army, the Army Inspector General, the Army Surgeon General, Army Public Health Center officials, and the MEDCOM Command Sergeant Major participated in a virtual Town Hall on Feb. 22, 2021 to dispel rumors, provide factual information about the COVID-19 vaccine and urge Soldiers to get the shot.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army and the Department of Defense will continue taking appropriate risk reduction, safety, and testing protocols to detect the threat of COVID-19 and demonstrate the ability to effectively monitor and respond to confirmed cases. The Army will continue to:

  • Provide data on the efficacy and safety of the vaccines.
  • Create awareness of the plan to increase the Soldiers’ confidence in the vaccine and manage timeline expectations among Army audiences.

Why is this important to the Army?

Force health protection is a top priority for Army Senior Leaders. The COVID-19 vaccine protects Soldiers, their communities,and the nation and allows the Army to maintain unit readiness to deploy, fight, and win when called on by the nation. Healthy units are ready units.

Resources:

DHA Immunization Healthcare Division Resource listing:

Related Document:

Related Videos:

Related STAND-TO!:

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Events

March 2021

Women History Month: Visit Women in the U.S. Army

March 25: Medal of Honor Day: Visit Medal of Honor

March 29: National Vietnam War Veterans Day

April 2021

Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month | Visit Army Resilience Directorte

Month of the Military Child | Visit Army Quality of Life

Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust

April 5: Gold Star Spouse’s Day | Visit Gold Star Survivors

April 16-19: Best Ranger Competition | Visit U.S. Army Rangers

April 18-24: Army Volunteer Recognition Week | Visit Army Volunteer Corps

April 22: Earth Day | Visit U.S. Army Environmental Command

April 23: U.S. Army Reserve Birthday | Visit U.S. Army Reserve

Focus Quote for the Day

Don’t miss your shot! Roll up your sleeve when the time comes and do your part to protect yourself, your family and friends, our Army, and our Nation. We can end this pandemic together, one vaccination at a time.

— Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, U.S. Army Surgeon General and commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Command