Skip to main content

Military Health System

Marines, Sailors with PHIBRON 11, 31st MEU receive COVID-19 vaccine

Image of Military health personnel giving the COVID-19 Vaccine to military personnel. Military health personnel giving the COVID-19 Vaccine to military personnel

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus & the MHS Response | Immunization Healthcare Division | COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts

In a critical move for readiness, resiliency and safety, ships of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 received their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last weekend in Okinawa, Japan.

The amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans, along with the amphibious dock landing ships USS Germantown and USS Ashland, in cooperation with U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rolled up their sleeves for their first dose of the vaccine.

“As the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific, we have to be ready to respond to the region’s needs at a moment’s notice,” said Navy Capt. Richard LeBron, PHIBRON 11 commodore. “The better protected we are against the coronavirus, the greater assurance I can give our fleet commanders that our ships, Sailors and Marines are without a doubt always here and always ready to fight and deliver when called upon.

“Doing our part to help sink COVID is a huge step for these three ships as they continue to operate throughout the AOR, execute complex and challenging missions, and interact with our allies and partners,” said LeBron.

Vaccination for service members is voluntary, as vaccines are currently authorized for emergency use. Aboard New Orleans, the vast majority of the crew chose to receive the shot.

“The New Orleans crew has shown exceptional resilience in facing COVID-19 over the past year,” said Navy Capt. Brian Schrum, the ship’s commanding officer. “This vaccine will keep our Sailors safe, ready, and confident in our ability to operate forward and overcome any challenges we may encounter.”

Germantown, which recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning, also saw the majority of the crew elect to get the vaccine.

“Following a concerted educational campaign led by our medical team, most of the crew chose to receive the vaccine,” said Navy Cmdr. Cullen Greenfield, Germantown’s commanding officer. “The pandemic has brought many trials, but the Germantown and her crew are resilient, flexible, and creative in meeting those challenges – we expect the vaccine will improve our ability to remain a ready force, stay healthy and operational, and sink COVID.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, those receiving the Moderna vaccine should receive the second dose 28 days after the first dose.

“Once a Sailor or Marine is fully vaccinated with both their first and second dose of the Moderna vaccine, they should expect over ninety-four percent efficacy in preventing disease from COVID-19, which will virtually eliminate the risk of severe disease or death during an outbreak at sea,” said Navy Cmdr. Hamilton Tilley, Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s task force surgeon. “Receiving just the first vaccine dose gives significant protection and is the first step in not only protecting themselves but their family as well as fellow Sailors and Marines.”

Amphibious Squadron 11, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious squadron, along with embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

You also may be interested in...

Accomplishments and Critical Lessons Learned Regarding Department of Defense H1N1 Influenza Report

Presentation
11/2/2010

Accomplishments and Critical Lessons Learned Regarding Department of Defense H1N1 Influenza Report briefing presented to the Defense Health Board Nov. 2, 2010

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Measles Mumps Rubella and Smallpox Anthrax Vaccine Recommendations

Presentation
8/18/2010

Measles Mumps Rubella and Smallpox Anthrax Vaccine Recommendations briefing presented to the Defense Health Board Aug. 18, 2010

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Inclusion of Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccine in Navy Accessions Screening and Immunizations Program

Presentation
6/8/2010

Inclusion of Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccine in Navy Accessions Screening and Immunizations Program briefing presented to the Defense Health Board June 8, 2010

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Joint Preventive Medicine Policy Group Response to the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response

Presentation
3/1/2010

Joint Preventive Medicine Policy Group Response to the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response briefing presented to the Defense Health Board March 1, 2010

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Influenza Update

Presentation
11/12/2009

Influenza Update presented to the Defense Health Board Nov. 12, 2009

Recommended Content:

Immunization Healthcare Division

Review of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Subpanel Recommendations

Presentation
8/17/2009

Review of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Subpanel Recommendations presented to the Defense Health Board Aug. 17, 2009

Recommended Content:

Immunization Healthcare Division | Immunizations

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Report

Presentation
5/7/2009

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Report presented to the Defense Health Board May 7, 2009

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Workgroup Update

Presentation
9/4/2008

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Workgroup Update presented to the Defense Health Board Sept. 4, 2008

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Military Vaccine Program Update Vaccine Healthcare Centers

Presentation
4/24/2008

Military Vaccine Program Update Vaccine Healthcare Centers presented to the Defense Health Board April 24, 2008

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Update

Presentation
4/23/2008

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Update presented to the Defense Health Board April 23, 2008

Recommended Content:

Immunization Healthcare Division | Immunizations

DoD Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Update

Presentation
4/23/2008

DoD Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Update presented to the Defense Health Board April 23, 2008

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Vaccine Use in Military Basic Trainees

Presentation
12/12/2007

Vaccine Use in Military Basic Trainees presented to the Defense Health Board December 12, 2007

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division

Military Vaccine Program

Presentation
5/3/2007

Military Vaccine Program briefing for the Defense Health Board May 3, 2007

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division | Public Health | Health Readiness & Combat Support

Vaccine Health Centers

Presentation
5/3/2007

Vaccine Health Centers briefing for the Defense Health Board May 3, 2007

Recommended Content:

Immunizations | Immunization Healthcare Division | Public Health | Health Readiness & Combat Support
Showing results 1 - 14 Page 1 of 1
Refine your search
Last Updated: December 28, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery