STATUS UPDATE #68:  Sept. 8, 2021

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Comirnaty vaccine, previously called the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, on Aug. 23. Medical professionals have been administering this vaccine through an emergency use authorization. Following full licensure of the Comirnaty vaccine, the Secretary of Defense issued a memo directing the secretaries of the military services to immediately begin full vaccination of all military personnel on active duty, in the Guard or the Reserve. Vaccinations are currently optional for civilians, with additional DoD/DoN policy and direction expected soon.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that all states are experiencing high or substantial levels of community transmission of the virus. Almost all new cases are among unvaccinated individuals and are due to the highly contagious Delta (B.1.617.2) virus variant. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase, especially in communities with lower vaccination rates. COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. continue to prove effective against the virus strains of concern and remain in ready supply. Protective measures remain in effect across Navy Region Northwest installations to continue limiting the spread of the virus among Navy personnel and families.

Washington State (WA) has begun requiring people wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Keep in mind that states’ guidelines do not necessarily apply to Navy facilities and some command, facility and service-specific measures remain at the installation commander’s discretion, based on mission needs and risk assessment. Northwest Navy Family members should monitor their respective installation websites and social media pages for the latest base-specific updates on services and activities.

All personnel are encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as they are able.

Current Numbers:

• Washington (WA) Dept. of Health, as of Sept. 6, reported 586,751 confirmed cumulative total cases (up 46,864 from two weeks prior) and 6,745 deaths (up 328 from two weeks prior). Visit  https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/DataDashboard for the latest WA data.
• Dept. of Defense, as of Sept. 1, reported 347,604 cumulative total cases (up 6,549 from two weeks prior) and 436 deaths (up 26 from two weeks prior) among DoD personnel (military, civilians, dependents and contractors).
• Dept. of Defense reported that as of Sept. 1, 2021, DoD administered 4,945,662 doses of vaccine and that 1,122,122 service members and 310,669 DoD civilians are fully vaccinated. Visit https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/ for the latest numbers.

Update #68 includes the following:

1.     Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine gets full FDA approval, DoD makes vaccine mandatory for military

2.     U.S. Navy COVID-19 vaccination mandate for military personnel

3.     Washington state updated mask requirement in alignment with CDC guidance

4.     Current Navy Region Northwest COVID-19 measures

5.     Updated U.S. Navy COVID-19 reporting requirements in NAVADMIN 180/21

6.     Local Navy COVID-19 vaccination:  Bremerton/Bangor, Oak Harbor and Everett

7.     More vaccine resources: Veterans Affairs, Madigan, retail pharmacies and Washington state

8.     Frequently Asked Questions about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

9.     Vaccine: Important to protecting people and ending the pandemic, and what to expect

1.   Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine gets full FDA approval, DoD makes vaccine mandatory for military

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Comirnaty vaccine, previously called the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, on Aug. 23. Medical professionals have been administering this vaccine through an emergency use authorization. Following full licensure of the Comirnaty vaccine, the Secretary of Defense issued a memo directing the secretaries of the military services to immediately begin full vaccination of all military personnel on active duty, in the Guard or the Reserve.

SECDEF said, “To defend this Nation, we need a healthy and ready force. After careful consultation with medical experts and military leadership, and with the support of the President, I have determined that mandatory vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is necessary to protect the Force and defend the American people.”  This applies to those who are not fully vaccinated and those who were previously infected with COVID-19 are not considered full vaccinated.

The mandatory vaccination will be implemented in alignment with DoD Instruction 6205.02, and there may be some exemptions for individuals based on policy.

Read the latest SECDEF memo here: https://media.defense.gov/2021/Aug/25/2002838826/-1/-1/0/MEMORANDUM-FOR-MANDATORY-CORONAVIRUS-DISEASE-2019-VACCINATION-OF-DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE-SERVICE-MEMBERS.PDF  

2.   U.S. Navy COVID-19 vaccination mandate for military personnel

On Aug. 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval and licensure to the Pfizer vaccine. Shortly thereafter, on Aug. 24, 2021, the Secretary of Defense issued a memo mandating COVID-19 vaccination for Department of Defense service members. On Aug. 31, the Navy issued NAVADMIN 190/21, mandating COVID-19 vaccination for all U.S. Navy Sailors.

The Secretary of the Navy also issued a related ALNAV message on Aug. 30. In it, he states that, “As the faithful maritime protectors of our country in peacetime and war, each of us must take ownership of our readiness to preserve and protect the force, and ensure the success of our mission.  Effective immediately, all DON active duty Service Members, who are not already vaccinated or exempted, are required to be fully vaccinated within 90 days and all Reserve Component Service Members are required to be fully vaccinated within 120 days of this issuance with an FDA approved vaccination against COVID-19.”

Naval Hospital Bremerton is currently providing the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine until Friday, Sept. 10 at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Bowling Alley to all unvaccinated active duty personnel without an appointment, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. As of Sept. 13, 2021, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to ALL eligible beneficiaries 12 and older by vaccine appointment only Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Immunization Clinic, located on the second floor of the Family Medicine wing. To make an appointment, visit: https://informatics-stage.health.mil/BremertonCOVIDApp/ or call the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center at 1-800-404-4506 from 6 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday to schedule an appointment.

Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor and Branch Health Clinic Everett also continue to administer the vaccine. To schedule an appointment, visit:

Branch Health Clinic Everett:  https://informatics-stage.health.mil/EverettCOVIDApp/.

Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor:  https://informatics-stage.health.mil/EverettCOVIDApp/.

Military personnel who get their vaccinations off-base/at a non-military medical treatment facility need to report their vaccination back to their respective military medical treatment facility.

Regardless of vaccination status, masks are required to be worn in all indoor settings while in any official DoD facility, per official guidance from the Secretary of Defense.

Full NAVADMIN at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/ALNAV/ALN2021/ALN21062.txt?ver=Vbl_3soAE1K4DhYwqjSGLw%3d%3d

Find the accompanying ALNAV message from the Secretary of the Navy at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/ALNAV/ALN2021/ALN21062.txt?ver=Vbl_3soAE1K4DhYwqjSGLw%3d%3d.

3.   Washington State updated mask mandate in alignment with CDC guidance

Washington State (WA) Governor amended Proclamation 20-25 to adopt the most recent face covering or issued by the WA Dept. of Health (DoH), which requires every person, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face covering when they are in a place generally accessible to people from outside their household. The mask mandate went into effect Aug. 23 and is in alignment with recommendations from all 35 public health officers in the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are some exceptions to this order, such as in non-crowded outdoor settings. The full face covering order and list of exceptions from the Secretary of Health online at: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/Secretary_of_Health_Order_20-03_Statewide_Face_Coverings.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

WA DoH also issued a report Aug. 19 that stated hospitalizations in the state are at an all-time high and about one in 156 Washingtonians has an active COVID-19 infection. The report also notes that the vaccine continues to prove effective at preventing serious illness and death. Unvaccinated people ages 16-64 are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized than those of that age group that are fully vaccinated.  In people ages 65 and up, unvaccinated individuals are about six times more likely to be admitted to the hospital for COVID-19. WA DoH said the best estimate of statewide population immunity is 54.7%.

Read the latest proclamation by Washington State Governor here: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-25.15%20-%20COVID-19%20Washington%20Ready.pdf

4.   Updated U.S. Navy COVID-19 reporting requirements in NAVADMIN 180/21

The Navy released NAVADMIN 180/21 that updates COVID-19 reporting requirements for Navy commands. The new guidance makes vaccination status a required field in reports for all military personnel and states that “in order to track the efficacy of our vaccine against the COVID delta variant, daily roll-up should include: vaccination/immunization status, symptomatic/asymptomatic status, why tested.”

Find the full NAVADMIN 180/21 at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2021/NAV21180.txt?ver=nBjYS5Qt8CJDmWOSV_8ZtQ%3d%3d.

5.   Current Navy Region Northwest COVID-19 measures

Navy Region Northwest continues to operate in a COVID-19 pandemic environment, and health protection condition measures are still in effect for Navy installations.

Installation leaders continue to monitor the situation on and around their installation and maintain plans to adjust measures to protective measures when necessary to protect the health and safety of Northwest Navy personnel.

Navy Region Northwest COVID-19 guidance aligns with mask guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dept. of Defense (DoD). Some places off Navy property may still require people wear a mask based on the rules at their specific locations, and masks are still required at health care facilities like hospitals, long-term care, and doctors’ offices where there may be more people at higher risk.

All Navy personnel should comply with guidance provided by the Installation Commanding Officers regarding on-base service and facilities. Please continue to monitor the following installation and Fleet & Family Readiness Facebook pages for the latest COVID-19 information:

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island:

 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NASWhidbeyIsland

 Website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/installations/nas_whidbey_island/about/faqs.html

 NavyLife NAS Whidbey Island Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhidbeyFFR

Naval Base Kitsap:

 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kitsapnavy

 NavyLife Naval Base Kitsap Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KitsapFFR

Naval Station Everett:

 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NavalStationEverett

 NavyLife Naval Station Everett Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EverettFFR

Navy Region Northwest Fleet and Family Readiness Program:

 Website: https://www.navylifepnw.com

All personnel and commands should continue to follow health protection measures in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dept. of Defense/Dept. of the Navy and state guidelines.

Current measures for Navy Region Northwest (NRNW) installations include:

• In accordance with the July 28, 2021, memo signed by Deputy Defense Secretary, all personnel regardless of vaccination status is required to wear a mask in an indoor setting on all Navy Region Northwest installations. Commanders may apply more restrictive Force Health Protection Measures for mission assurance. Individuals must wear masks continuously while in DoD facilities except:
  • When an individual is alone in an office with floor-to-ceiling walls with a closed door.
  • For brief periods of time when eating and drinking while maintaining distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines and instructions from commanders and supervisors.
  • When the mask is required to be lowered briefly for identification or security purposes.
  • When necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability.
  • When necessary to reasonably accommodate participation in a religious service.
  • When underlying health conditions exist that prohibit mask wearing, and the individual in in possession of medical documentation from a military or licensed civilian healthcare provider. outlining the condition and the restriction it places on mask wearing.
  • When clear or unrestricted visualization of verbal communication is required for safe and effective operations (e.g. Air Traffic Control, Emergency Dispatch, Police/Fire/Emergency Services).
  • Children under the age of two and anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • Personnel conducting training in which mask wearing is not feasible, such as swim qualification, amphibious or aquatic training events, or where mask wearing impedes safety such as live-fire, or other high-risk training events where masks create a hazard.
  • Individuals alone (or with members of their household) in their housing or barracks room.
  • Personnel operating machinery, tools, and/or other items during the use of which a mask would present a safety hazard.
• Maintain no-touch ID/credential scanning at all entry control points. Personnel will be required to present both sides of their ID/credential and hold for screening by the guard.
• Personnel and commands should maintain strict good hygiene measures such as regularly and thoroughly washing hands, and regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
• Personnel should continue complying with workplace occupancy limits. Installations may limit occupancy of certain command areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact in close proximity.
• Commands should continue screening all reporting personnel upon arrival as a routine precaution to prevent increased risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Installation Visitor Control Center (VCC) personnel will continue the use of COVID-19 Health Questionnaire to screen all personnel who seek access to installations.
• Personnel should follow DoD, CDC, State and host installation guidance when assessing requests for ship or facility tours, events or gatherings and make deliberate decisions based on the nature of the event and value to the mission and the Navy.
• Personnel and commands should comply with workplace occupancy limitations as directed by Chief of Naval Operations.
• Additionally, all commands in the Puget Sound area shall do the following:
• Follow current state guidance for gatherings, events, meetings and public spaces but continue to minimize exposure during all activities.
• Continue to utilize virtual capabilities as practical to reduce or eliminate in person meetings or travel requirements.
• Continue telework at supervisor or command discretion.
• Personnel should continue to stay home if they are feeling ill, self-isolate as best possible and notify their supervisor. Personnel requiring medical attention should call their medical care provider.
• Commands should educate workforce on personnel and flexible work policies in accordance with OPM guidelines that support employee decisions to stay home if sick or vulnerable. Medically vulnerable personnel, or personnel who reside with vulnerable individuals, should be permitted to telework as possible to minimize exposure.
• Personnel planning personal travel should check travel advisories and evaluate COVID-19 risks accordingly. Personnel can use the NRNW Travel Planner Tools to help them make informed decisions for work or personal travel:  https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/om/COVID-19.html.
• Properly screen contractors, vendors, delivery services, etc. to ensure personnel do not perform services while sick or symptomatic.
• Continue to educate personnel on COVID-19-related information and vaccines.
• Personnel and commands should comply with workplace occupancy limitations as directed by Chief of Naval Operations.

Personnel unsure of how these changes will affect their work schedule or specific duty location and procedures should contact their supervisor and work through their chain of command for clarification.

6.    Local Navy COVID-19 vaccination: Bremerton/Bangor, Oak Harbor and Everett

Military medical professionals continue to administer doses of FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to personnel around the world, including here in the Northwest, in accordance with the Dept. of Defense’s phased plan. Navy medical treatment facilities (MTF) have opened up vaccination to a wider range of individuals. 

Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) and Branch Health Clinic:

The Pfizer-BioNTech-COMIRNATY COVID-19 vaccine is available for eligible beneficiaries ages 12 and up. A parent/guardian must accompany those under the age of 18.

The vaccine is available by appointment Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the NHB Immunization Clinic. To make an appointment at the Immunization Clinic, visit https://informatics-stage.health.mil/BremertonCOVIDApp/COVIDSeries.aspx.

The vaccine will also be available on a walk-in basis at the NHB Urgent Care Clinic from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday, and (open) holidays.

Eligible beneficiaries can also make an appointment by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center at 1-800-404-4506 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For any parent and/or guardian who have questions regarding vaccinations, please discuss any concerns with a medical provider.

Patients can also make an appointment by phone by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center at 1-800-404-4506 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Find the latest NHB information at https://bremerton.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/-COVID-19-Vaccine or https://www.facebook.com/navalhospitalbremerton.

Naval Branch Health Clinic Everett:

Branch Health Clinic Everett will continue to offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule an appointment at Everett, please visit https://informatics-stage.health.mil/EverettCOVIDApp/.

Eligible beneficiaries can also make an appointment by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center at 1-800-404-4506 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For any parent and/or guardian who have questions regarding vaccinations, please discuss any concerns with a medical provider.

Patients can also make an appointment by phone by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center at 1-800-404-4506 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Find the latest NHB information at https://bremerton.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/-COVID-19-Vaccine or https://www.facebook.com/navalhospitalbremerton.

Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor (NHCOH):

NHCOH is providing the COVID-19 vaccine to TRICARE beneficiaries, age 18 years and older. Vaccination appointments are only for military retirees, family members of active duty and family members of retirees. Active Duty members are not eligible to book a vaccine appointment and will be scheduled for a vaccination by their command.

Eligible individuals can schedule an appointment online at NHCOH Vaccine Clinic website (https://informatics-stage.health.mil/OakHarborCOVIDApp/) or by phone by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointing Center at 1-800-404-4506.

Find the latest NHCOH information at https://oakharbor.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/COVID-Vaccine or https://www.facebook.com/NavalHealthClinicOakHarbor.

Getting the vaccine is voluntary, but all DoD personnel are encouraged to get it to protect their health, their families and their community.

Regardless of vaccination status, personnel should continue to follow directions and guidance from their chain of command regarding protective measures.

Personnel that have not yet received their first shot may also want to familiarize themselves ahead of time with certain relevant documents, including Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) fact sheets for each FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine and the DHA Form 207 COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Immunization Documentation.

The EUA fact sheets and DHA Form 207 can be found on Military Health System’s website at https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Immunization-Healthcare/IHD-COVID-19-Vaccine-Resource-Center-for-Health-Care-Personnel#Forms. (Note: To view or download DHA Form 207 requires Common Access Card authentication.)

7.   More Vaccine Resources: Madigan, Veterans Affairs, Retail Pharmacies and Washington State

For those eligible and able to get vaccinated outside of Navy Medical Treatment Facilities, there are other vaccination options available. 

Madigan Army Medical Center

Madigan Army Medical Center is administering the vaccine to patients and beneficiaries 12 years of age and older on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

To get the vaccine, patients can make an appointment by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center at 1-800-404-4506 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or by visiting the link to Madigan's online COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler at https://go.usa.gov/xHc4t.

Madigan has also been holding appointment-less vaccine drives and is operating a COVID-19 testing tent.

For the latest updates on these or other COVID-19 information from Madigan, individuals should visit Madigan’s website at https://madigan.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Preventive-Care/COVID-19-Vaccine, call the dedicated COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 253-968-4744, or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MadiganHealth.

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

In late March 2021, Congress passed a new law that allows the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer COVID-19 vaccines to more Veterans and some spouses and caregivers of Veterans.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System vaccination sites include Seattle, American Lake, Silverdale and Mount Vernon. Vaccinations are by appointment only. Eligible Veterans can call (206) 716-5716 to schedule a vaccination or contact their primary care team. Their COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline (recorded message) is updated daily with current vaccine scheduling information: (206) 277-4040.

Find more local Puget Sound area vaccine information from the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System website at https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp.

Veterans with general questions about COVID-19 or vaccination should call 1-800-myVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and press 8 for COVID information, or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/. The VA also has answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 at https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/.

Retail Pharmacies

The federal government launched the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination. It is a collaboration between the federal government, states and territories, and 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States. This program is one component of the Federal government’s strategy to expand access to vaccines for the American public.

Individuals eligible to receive the vaccine through non-Navy/non-military medical facilities can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website to find out more and learn which retail pharmacies may be participating in each state:  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/index.html

Pharmacies participating in the program may include TRICARE network pharmacies and non-network pharmacies. The availability of the vaccine may vary by location. TRICARE says that beneficiaries will eventually be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine through the following means:

·       Local military hospital or clinic

·       Local or state health department COVID-19 vaccination sites

·       Civilian medical provider

·       Pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program

TRICARE says there is no cost-share if the vaccine is received at a TRICARE network pharmacy and there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine itself if received at a non-network pharmacy.

Find out more from TRICARE about the vaccine at https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/02_18_2021_More_Options_Get_COVID19_Vaccine.

Washington State and Counties

Washington (WA) State has online resources to help people find a COVID-19 vaccination facility near them. States’ vaccination plan phases and tiers may be slightly different than the phases used by the Dept. of Defense in its vaccination plan.

Those eligible to receive the vaccine through non-Navy/non-military means can access the WA State Phase Finder web tool and view the list of locations administering the vaccine online at https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineLocations.  The state cautions that the listed facilities may not always have vaccine in stock as inventory varies daily.

Washington county public health departments are also providing local resources for COVID-19 vaccination within the respective counties:

Kitsap County: https://kitsappublichealth.org/CommunityHealth/CoronaVirus_Vaccine.php or call 360-728-2219

Island County:  https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/Covid-Vaccine.aspx

Snohomish County:  https://snohomish-county-coronavirus-response-snoco-gis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19-vaccine or call 425-339-5278.

Jefferson County:  https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/1529/COVID-19-Vaccine

8.     Frequently Asked Questions about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines:

Coordination continues for the administering of FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to Northwest Navy personnel who choose to get it. Many common questions have been answered by experts and that information is available online. Personnel with other questions not listed on the following websites can discuss further with their supervisor or healthcare provider.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination program can be found online at the following websites. These websites are updated regularly as more information becomes available.

Military Health System’s (MHS) website:  https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Combat-Support/Public-Health/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccine-Efforts/Getting-the-COVID-19-Vaccine

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vaccine FAQs site:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

9.    Vaccine: Important to protecting people and ending the pandemic, and what to expect:

The vaccine is safe.

U.S. government and medical experts say that the vaccines authorized for use by the FDA are safe. The approved vaccines were thoroughly tested through multiple rounds of clinical trials and the results were validated. The tests indicated that the vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19.

The vaccine itself does not pose a threat to family members or others around the recipient once administered. Vaccine recipients will not get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines use inactivated virus, parts of the virus, or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.

Some side effects are normal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states as with most vaccines, some people may experience some side effects, which are normal signs that their body is building protection against the virus. The common side effects include mild pain and swelling in the arm where the shot was administered, and fever, chills, tiredness and headaches. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine may feel like the flu and could affect one's ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. If a person's condition worsens or is still present after a few days, they should contact their doctor or healthcare provider.

Additional information about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including common side effects and helpful tips, visit the CDC's website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html.

For information about U.S. COVID-19 vaccine planning, how the vaccines work, vaccine safety, and more, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

INFORMATION RESOURCES:

• CDC COVID-19 situational information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• CDC COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
  
• Military Health Service COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Combat-Support/Public-Health/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccine-Efforts/Getting-the-COVID-19-Vaccine
• DoD COVID-19 Rumor Control: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Rumor-Control/
• DoD COVID-19 Vaccine Availability Information: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Vaccine-Availability/
• NW Navy Vaccination Appointments Websites:
  • Naval Hospital Bremerton: https://informatics-stage.health.mil/BremertonCOVIDApp/COVIDSeries.aspx
  • NHB Branch Health Clinic Everett: https://informatics-stage.health.mil/EverettCOVIDApp/
  • Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor: https://informatics-stage.health.mil/OakHarborCOVIDApp/
• Naval Hospital Bremerton COVID-19 Vaccine Info: https://bremerton.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/-COVID-19-Vaccine or https://www.facebook.com/navalhospitalbremerton
• Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor COVID-19 Vaccine Info: https://oakharbor.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/COVID-Vaccine or https://www.facebook.com/NavalHealthClinicOakHarbor
• Tricare Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273) or www.mhsnurseadviceline.com
• Tricare Coronavirus FAQs: www.tricare.mil/HealthWellness/HealthyLiving/Coronavirus/Coronavirus- FAQs
• Washington State Dept. of Health COVID-19 site: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/
• Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Facebook page and website: https://www.facebook.com/NASWhidbeyIsland/ https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/installations/nas_whidbey_island/about/faqs.html
  
• NavyLife NAS Whidbey Island Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhidbeyFFR/
• Naval Base Kitsap Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kitsapnavy/
• NavyLife Naval Base Kitsap Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KitsapFFR/
• Naval Station Everett Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NavalStationEverett/
• NavyLife Naval Station Everett Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EverettFFR/
• Navy Region Northwest Fleet and Family Readiness Program: https://www.navylifepnw.com/ US Navy COVID-19 Leaders' Handbook: https://allhands.navy.mil/The-Way-Forward/US-Navy-COVID- 19-Leaders-Handbook.

NAVY REGION NORTHWEST EMPLOYEES

Work continues with health and safety protective measures in place. Unless told otherwise by your supervisor, please continue following all current measures, including teleworking if possible and maintaining physical distancing and wearing of face coverings in accordance with current guidance. Please discuss with your supervisor if you need clarification on your work situation.

Personnel required to physically report to work are to conduct self-screening using the questionnaire below and coordinate with their supervisor regarding reporting to work. Employees working from home are asked to also continue to monitor their own health for any signs of illness and keep their supervisor informed if their status changes. If you are sick, you should stay home, try to distance from others in your household as best you can, and contact your health care provider as needed.

Health Screening Questionnaire:

Navy Region Northwest COVID Travel Planner Tools (to download):

Travel Planner CONUS Report will be updated periodically, when source data updates are received. Navy, Dept. of Defense and CDC also have travel-related updates - see links below. 

These tools can be used to help you with your travel plans and calculate the risk of contracting COVID-19. Discuss plans and risk calculations with your supervisor before travel, and talk to your supervisor before returning to work.

NRNW CONUS COVID Status Travel Planner Report (excel file download)

Dept. of the Navy COVID-19 Travel Tracker website  (CAC required)

Dept. of Defense Travel Restrictions Installation Status Update

CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination

COVID-19 Status Update Archives: