NMCSD Hosts COVID-19 Q&A Session

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke Cunningham | 210330-N-LW757-1026 SAN DIEGO (Mar. 30, 2021) Margaret Ryan, Defense Health Agency Immunization Healthcare Division's medical director of the Pacific Region Office (center), presents information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine during a meeting in Naval Medical Center San Diego's (NMCSD) auditorium Mar. 30. The meeting was held to give Sailors a chance to ask questions and gather information about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many facets of healthcare are conducted, and NMCSD has adapted some of its techniques and practices to keep both staff and patients safe while delivering the high-quality healthcare they’ve come to expect. NMCSD’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

03.30.2021

Story by Seaman Luke Cunningham 

Naval Medical Center San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) hosted a coronavirus (COVID-19) Q&A session in the hospital's auditorium Mar. 30.
The session's goal was to increase vaccine knowledge, and give staff members the opportunity to ask subject matter experts COVID-19 vaccine-related questions.
"The panel explained the importance of becoming vaccinated, and how increased vaccination rates directly align with reduced positive COVID-19 cases," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Angela Brizuela, NMCSD's Directorate for Public Health's senior enlisted leader. "They also discussed the science behind vaccine development and how the vaccine works within the body to protect patients. The audience had an opportunity to ask questions related to specific Department of Defense policy changes, what an Emergency Use Authorized vaccine is, how they may receive the vaccine and the difference between the various available brands of COVID-19 vaccines."
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently optional for NMCSD staff, but all are encouraged to get vaccinated.
"Before the Q&A, I was unsure about whether I should get the vaccine," said Hospitalman Apprentice Alex Serrano, a Sailor assigned to NMCSD. "The panel gave great information about the vaccine and encouraged us to get vaccinated. I can confidently say that getting the vaccine is the right choice, and that I will be getting mine."
NMCSD's leadership values providing accurate and concise information regarding the medical care they provide, to include the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and its availability, visit sandiego.tricare.mil.
NMCSD’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.
Visit navy.mil or facebook.com/NMCSD for more information.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2021
• Date Posted: 04.06.2021 13:11
• Story ID: 392861
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US