Shaw administers COVID-19 vaccine
By Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published January 06, 2021
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Medical Group administered Shaw’s first round of COVID-19 vaccinations, Dec. 4.
The Air Force began administering the COVID-19 vaccines earlier this month to mission critical personnel as part of Operation Warp Speed, which is the Department of Defense’s initiative to vaccinate Americans both safely and efficiently.
“Shaw is one of the first bases in Air Combat Command to receive the vaccine, because our job of delivering combat airpower and providing support to our mission partners is critical to national security,” said Col. Lawrence Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing commander. “The Weasel medics of the 20th MDG have designed a process to administer the vaccination rapidly and efficiently.”
In line with a phased approach, the first person vaccinated at Shaw was Erin Olson, who is responsible for testing symptomatic patients.
Shaw will continue to administer the vaccine under the guidelines that ensures first responders, healthcare providers and mission critical personnel are among the first to receive the vaccine.
The vaccine is a two-part series with a booster shot given approximately 21 days after the first dose.
“Since this pandemic began 10 months ago, our medical professionals have been on the front lines delivering trusted care and adapting operations to keep Airmen, their families and our retirees safe,” said Col. Laura Baugh, 20th MDG commander. “We have been looking forward to receiving the vaccine and now that it’s finally here, we are excited to begin distribution and more effectively protect our beneficiaries and our mission from the threat of COVID-19.”
The next phase of the vaccine distribution plan includes other critical support personnel, along with Airmen preparing to deploy overseas.
The vaccines are not mandated, however Baugh encourages everyone to obtain the vaccine when possible as a protective health measure for themselves, their families, their community to help lower public health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 20th Fighter Wing remains committed to protecting our Service members, civilian employees, and families; safeguarding our national security capabilities; and maintaining a state of combat readiness.
Information about ongoing vaccinations at Shaw Air Force Base will be shared at Shaw.af.mil and on the Shaw AFB Facebook page.