Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Spence | Incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Ramirez, senior enlisted advisor at 4th Cavalry...... read more read more
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FORT KNOX, Ky. — Soldiers and first responders were among the first personnel United States Army Medical Department Activity or USA MEDDAC at Fort Knox officials began to administer the first doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccinations here recently.
“I'm a medic, as part of the roll up your sleeve Fort Knox fight against COVID-19, the vaccine was provided to medical personnel first due to the routine close contact we have with patients,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Tonak, 4th Cavalry Multi-Functional Training Brigade medical operations non-commissioned officer. “I was first within my brigade because I was tracking all the personnel receiving their vaccine on day one.”
According to Department of Defense officials, the vaccine is completely voluntary for all service members and civilian personnel.
“As the vaccine continues to roll out and personnel become more come comfortable with [the vaccine’s] safety, more Soldiers will want to get the vaccine,” said Tonak.
While Tonak does agree that Operation Warp Speed does appear to live up to the name, he can also understand the reluctance some Soldiers have about getting the vaccine.
Being a first responder and a Soldier, Tonak sees how a stigma surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine could have taken root.
“Two words: social media,” he said.
“Rather than listen to trusted sources of intelligence and science, people are trusting what they read on social media to base their decision,” Tonak said of those who may be hesitant to receive the vaccine now.
“If you choose to receive the vaccine or not is your personal choice,” he added. “The vaccine isn’t for you, it’s for all of those around you, starting with the battle buddies to your left and your right.”
With current systems in place here, MEDDAC can administer about 25 vaccines per hour.
“The overall focus of the US Army is to be a ready and lethal force, the COVID-19 vaccine promotes force health protection and directly contributes to keeping American Soldiers ready,” said Capt. David Korb, 4th Cav Bde Physician Assistant.
The Moderna-produced vaccine requires two doses, and recipients must return in 28 days for their second dose to be fully inoculated against the COVID-19 virus.
“Making informed decisions is rooted in the respect we have for those around us and individuals we lead, current evidence indicates that the vaccine is safe and effective and that is why it is important for Soldiers to be vaccinated,” Korb added.
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 01.25.2021 13:48 |
| Story ID: | 387523 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Hometown: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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