First COVID-19 Vaccinations Administered Jan. 11

from The Beacon Newsletter, February 2021

Chief Pinning Ceremony

Story by Joel Diller, Public Affairs

NSA Souda Bay received an initial allocation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 9. The vaccine doses were administered in accordance with the Department of Defense 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.

TOP: U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Sigonella, load a box of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines inside aC-26D Metroliner onboard NAS Sigonella for shipment to NSA Souda Bay,Jan. 9.
Courtesy photo from NAS Sigonella Public Affairs.

Nick Rozakis, a member of the Air Cargo team, and Eleni Charokopaki, a member of the Air Operations department, receive the installation’sfirst shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Naval Air Crewman(Mechanical) 2nd Class Jean-Pierre Gasca, assigned to Naval Air StationSigonella’s Operations Department, on Jan. 9.
Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs.

**Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Caleb Newbill unloads NSA Souda Bay’s initial shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Jan. 9.**
Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs.

“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.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Caleb Newbill opens NSA Souda Bay’s initial shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine while Hospital Corpsman 1stClass Nicole Mattera checks the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine guideline sheet
Photos by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs.

**CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ; Newbill positively verifies the temperature monitor of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines**
Photos by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs.

**Mattera and Newbill positively verify the temperature monitor reading of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines**
Photos by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs.

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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