MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin National Guard was recently selected to receive approximately 700 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Department of Defense has created a tiering system that allocates these 700 vaccines to those who provided medical care under 502(f) for COVID response, members of the medical group that provide direct patient care and critical mission personnel such as pilots, security forces and firefighters.
For those aforementioned, receiving the vaccine, which has currently been made available through an Emergency Use Authorization, is entirely voluntary.
“Keep in mind that this information is ever changing,” said Lt. Col. Kate Mccomb, the deputy commander of the 115th Medical Group, Truax Field, Wis. “As we get more vaccines our goal is to have it available for all base personnel.”
Due to the limited supply of the vaccine for the 115th Fighter Wing, it’s important for members to respond in a timely manner if and/or when they are contacted by their supervisors and ask questions if they have them.
“I think the COVID-19 vaccine allows us to assume an offensive role in defeating the virus,” said Col. Brad Meyers, the commander of the 115th MDG. “I encourage each and every one of you to get vaccinated if at all possible as it is likely to be the most effective method for our emerging from this pandemic.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe. According to the CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective through large amounts of clinical trials. The data gathered demonstrates that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Can I get COVID from the vaccine?
No. The vaccine does not contain live or inactivated virus. The vaccine causes the body to make a portion of the spike protein that is found on the virus. The body’s immune response to that spike protein confers immunity--protecting us from the virus without introducing the actual virus into our body.
Is there a microchip in the vaccine?
No, there is no microchip within the vaccine. It is a liquid that is stored at a really cold temperature and each vial provides 10 doses.
How are the vaccines administered?
Pfizer- two doses separated by 21 days.
Moderna- two doses separated by 28 days.
Both doses are necessary. All given by a “shot in the arm” exactly like the influenza vaccine.
I have already had COVID-19. Should I get immunized?
Yes. Vaccination should be offered to persons regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation. Reinfection within 90 days after infection is rare, so the general guideline is to get a vaccination about three months after the initial infection.