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Safety, efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine on latest "The Air Force Starts Here" podcast

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  • By Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

In episode 42 of "The Air Force Starts Here" podcast, the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine is discussed by the team at the 59th Medical Wing.

The Federal Drug Administration authorized two COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, for emergency use authorization. As of Jan. 15, 2021, the Department of Defense is administering the vaccine in phases due to the limited availability of initial vaccine doses.

The first phase will distribute and administer vaccines at select locations, which included the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Maj. Gen. (Dr.) John DeGoes, commander of the 59thh Medical Wing at JBSA-Lackland, recently took to Facebook for a live virtual town hall to answer questions Airmen had.  

Joining him on the panel were Chief Master Sgt Marc Schoellkopf, 59th Medical Wing command chief; Col. (Dr) Heather Yun, deputy commander Medical Services at Brooke Army Medical Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston; Lt. Col. (Dr) Kevin White, 59th Medical Wing COVID-19 vaccine coordinator; and Staff Sgt Amanda Wimberly, 802d Military Working Dog handler.

The vaccine will be offered on a voluntary basis. Priority populations are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Be sure to follow your unit for information on distribution specific to your area.

Remember, the intent of the vaccine is to prevent the spread of COVID 19. We will still need to wear cloth face covings and practice physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus. It is also very important to get the influenza vaccine. For more information on the COVID 19 vaccine, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

Stream The Air Force Starts Here Podcast on a podcast streaming app or on:

Apple podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/developing-mach-21-airmen/id1451609095  
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Im6uewr45nczxt4o4xzucvucgpi?t=The_Air_Force_Starts_Here
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UzkzL9wQdWmQnntGAd6Yp 
DVIDS:  https://www.dvidshub.net/tags/audio/the-air-force-starts-here-podcast