Update2: NHP gets COVID vaccine

The Defense Department announced Dec. 9 its deliberate and phased plan to distribute and administer initial and subsequent allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine. DoD continues to work closely with HHS/CDC on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. As one of the 64 jurisdictions to which the government has allocated vaccines, the DoD plans to administer its initial allocation of 43,875 doses to CONUS and OCONUS populations of DoD uniformed service members, both active and Selected Reserve components, including members of the National Guard; dependents; retirees; civilian employees; and select DoD contract personnel as authorized in accordance with DoD regulation. The two key considerations that inform DoD’s plan are: 1) who will receive the vaccine; and 2) where DoD can most effectively receive and administer the vaccine. The department prioritizes DoD personnel to receive the vaccine based on CDC guidance. Initial vaccination sites in the United States, along the Gulf Coast region, include: Naval Hospital Pensacola, Fla.; and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Gulfport Miss. (Keesler AFB will administer; while distribution comes from NH Pensacola) Distribution of the allocated vaccines will begin once the FDA authorizes the COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use and in accordance with Operation Warp Speed guidance. (Source: DoD 12/09/20) DOD Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Release Information on the DOD vaccine distribution plan and population schema can be found at: COVID-19 Vaccine Distro (defense.gov) UPDATE2: The first COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Northwest Florida at the Naval Hospital Pensacola. Cmdr. Jonathan Elliot, public health emergency officer and medical director for immunizations, told the News Journal that the vaccines arrived just after 9 a.m. on Dec. 15. The military hospital is the first in NW Florida to receive doses of the Pfizer vaccine. (Source: PNJ 12/16/20) The vaccines will also support the Armed Forces Retirement Home, via Keesler AFB Medical Center, in south Mississippi.