BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Members of Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center received their first batch of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine March 2nd, 2021. Beginning March 2nd, the 460th Medical Group will administer more than 200 doses of the vaccine to members of ARPC, and recipients are expected to receive the second dose later this month.
Although the vaccine is voluntary, the Department of Defense encourages all members to participate in order to protect their health and the health of the community.
"Receiving the vaccine is currently voluntary, but I encourage all members to consider participating in the vaccinations," said Col. Kelli B. Smiley, ARPC commander. "Our goal is to continue combating COVID-19 and its effects on our mission and the community, and receiving the vaccine is a vital part of our efforts."
The Moderna vaccine has undergone large-scale clinical trials and has been determined to be safe for use by the DoD and Center for Disease Control. Additionally, U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the vaccine for distribution. The desired end-state is that the DoD is able to reduce the burden of COVID-19 in high-risk populations and simultaneously mitigate risk to military operations.
As the vaccine becomes more readily available, ARPC will remain committed to its members and their families' health and safety while continuing to adhere to local and federal guidelines.
"Although our members are receiving the first doses of the vaccine, risks from the virus will continue, and we will continue to implement policies prioritizing the safety of our members," said Smiley. "If we stay vigilant, we will remain fully capable to continue our mission and again be able to see each other’s smiles face to face."
For more information about the vaccine, please visit the website below.
https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/MHS-Toolkits/COVID-19-Vaccine-Toolkit/