Naval Aviation and Aircraft Carrier Medical Staffs to Receive First Dosage of the COVID-19 Vaccination

Medical personnel from a variety of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) commands will receive the first coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) Immunization Clinic, in Portsmouth, and at Navy Branch Health Clinic, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida a few days prior to Christmas. 

The COVID-19 vaccine marks a turning point in the battle against the virus and will improve the collective health and safety of the fleet and move the Navy on a path toward normal operations. 

The voluntary vaccination falls within the DoD-phased approach to prioritize mission-essential healthcare personnel in receiving the vaccine. NMCP was one of the first Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) to receive a shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 15, and continue to provide vaccinations to healthcare workers assigned to the medical center.

Medical personnel in key positions will receive the first dosage of the COVID-19 vaccination from an assortment of commands, some of which include Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12, HM-15, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and others.

Cmdr. Jeff Delzer, CNAL Force Radiation Health officer is responsible for scheduling and tracking the TYCOM’s vaccination schedule for all commands that report to the Type Command.

“We are tracking a majority of medical personnel to be completed with their first dosage of the vaccine before New Year’s Eve,” said Delzer. “There is a lot of enthusiasm and gratefulness to getting the first dosage and everyone who I have spoken with are highly motivated to get vaccinated.”

Delzer added while the intent of the vaccine is to prevent the spread of COVID 19 he reminds everyone to continue wearing cloth face covings and practice physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus.

The distribution process is phase-driven to protect the Department of Defense from COVID-19 as quickly as possible. In the initial phases, a limited number of sites were selected, such as Portsmouth Naval Medical Center to receive the vaccine.

COMNAVAIRLANT is responsible for six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 43,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel based on the East Coast of the United States.  It provides combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.

To view photos of the event please visit https://airlant.navy.mil/Press-Room/News-Stories/Article/2456039/naval-aviation-and-aircraft-carrier-medical-staffs-to-receive-first-dosage-of-t/.