NSA Souda Bay Receives COVID Vaccine

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelly M Agee | 210111-N-AZ866-0130 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2021) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Zak McBride receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Caleb Newbill at the Branch Health Clinic Souda Bay, Jan. 11, 2021. The vaccine is being administered in phases based on DoD priority levels to reduce the burden of COVID-19 in high-risk populations and simultaneously mitigate risk to military operations. McBride a native of Ellington, Conn. Newbill is a native of Covington, Tenn. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly M. Agee/Released)  

GREECE

01.11.2021

Story by Joel Diller 

U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2021) – Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, received an initial allocation of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines on Jan. 9.

Initial doses of the vaccine were administered in accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) phase-driven vaccine distribution plan to vaccinate U.S. military and civilian personnel in a prioritized order. The first group of personnel vaccinated included those providing direct medical care and maintaining essential security and installation functions.

“Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is our best weapon at stopping COVID in its tracks,” said Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, NSA Souda Bay’s Commanding Officer. “It will protect you, your shipmates, and your families. I will get vaccinated when it is my turn to receive the vaccine, and I encourage everyone on Team Souda to get the vaccine when it is offered.”

Facundo said after the initial distribution, and as more vaccine becomes available, additional personnel will have access to the vaccine.

Cmdr. Christopher Worley, senior medical officer, said, “The data we have tells us that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and it is effective. I got it because I know that it is my best defense against the coronavirus.”

Worley said because it will take time to get everyone vaccinated, it is important to continue to wear appropriate masks, practice physical distancing, and wash hands frequently, even after receiving the vaccine.

Facundo said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary at this time and reiterated that the NSA Souda Bay community is still required to follow host nation and DoD guidance regarding face coverings, social/physical distancing, and group gatherings.

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at preventing the coronavirus. Clinical trials have shown they are safe and effective, and the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of COVID-19 vaccines, which is why they were issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information about the DOD’s latest information about COVID-19 and the vaccine distribution plan, visit: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/

NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.

• Date Taken: 01.11.2021
• Date Posted: 01.11.2021 09:41
• Story ID: 386707
• Location: GR