Vaccinations will be conducted in accordance with CDC guidance, which describes population priorities as phases. Prioritization will focus on those providing direct medical care and maintaining essential national security and installation functions; deploying forces; and those beneficiaries at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19.
 

The distribution process is phase-driven through a controlled pilot to protect Army personnel from COVID-19 as quickly as possible. In the initial phases, a limited number of sites were selected to receive the vaccine. Initial sites allow DoD to validate distribution and administration processes and structures and to guide senior leader decisions to increase distribution and administration as vaccine manufacturing and CDC allocation permits. Initial site performance will guide follow-on site identification and the scaling of DoD distribution and administration processes.

Yes, based on DoD prioritization. While there is limited vaccine availability, vaccination distribution prioritization will focus on individuals providing direct medical care and maintaining essential national security and installation functions; deploying forces; and those beneficiaries at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19. TRICARE beneficiaries empaneled at a DoD Military Treatment Facility (MTF) are eligible to receive the vaccine at a DoD MTF. TRICARE beneficiaries who receive care at DoD MTFs on a space-available basis can alternately receive vaccines through the local civilian jurisdiction.

The distribution process is phase driven to safely protect personnel from COVID-19 as quickly as possible. In the initial phase, a limited number of sites were selected to receive the vaccine. Initial sites allow DoD to validate distribution and administration processes and structures and to guide senior leader decisions to increase distribution as vaccine manufacturing and CDC allocation permits. Initial site performance will guide follow-on site identification and the scaling of DoD distribution and administration processes.

Yes, because the duration of immunity following COVID-19 infection is unknown, and the vaccine may be effective in protecting previously infected people.

Yes. The intent of the vaccine is to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will still need to wear cloth face covings and practice physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Additionally, we will not have enough vaccine initially to vaccinate everyone who wants the vaccine, and COVID-19 pandemic risks will continue. We will continue to recommend wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, for everyone, until pandemic risk of COVID-19 is substantially reduced.

Vaccines and therapeutics to prevent and treat diseases are developed in stages. In phase 1 trials, researchers test an experimental drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time. In phase 2 trials, the experimental drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to evaluate its safety further. In phase 3 trials, the experimental study drug or treatment is given to very large groups of people. Researchers confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the experimental drug or treatment to be used safely. Manufactures are required to submit their raw data for the FDA to review. Safety, immune response, and efficacy data from the trial stages are submitted to the FDA before they are authorized for use and distribution.

The current vaccine trials have not studied the safety and efficacy for children, and manufactures are not currently asking the FDA for authorization to vaccinate children.

We do not know how long protection will last following vaccination, but it will be critically important to measure long-term protection (at least two years) in the phase 3 trials and in other groups prioritized for early vaccination. We are still learning about the duration of protection following infection with COVID-19, and it is too early to tell how long protection will last.

No, it is not possible to get COVID-19 from vaccines. Vaccines against COVID-19 use inactivated virus, parts of the virus or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.

No. The vaccine will be offered on a voluntary basis. Priority populations are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine. When formally licensed by the FDA, the DoD may require a vaccine for all military personnel or personnel in specific fields, as is the case for the influenza vaccine.

People who are offered the first-available vaccine are considered to be in groups that are most in need of COVID-19 protection. Vaccinated people will be protecting themselves, as well as their families and all people with whom they interact. Evaluation of the first-available vaccine will continue even after its pre-licensure release. The release of other vaccines cannot be fully predicted, so people who are offered the first-available vaccine will be encouraged to receive it.

The Army averages 90%+ utilization rate since we have begun vaccinating, and the Army continues to lead the DoD in vaccinations. MTFs administer vaccine as soon as they receive it, and at a pace that promotes safety and efficacy. The difference in the number of vaccine doses on-hand or received and the number of vaccine doses administered is a rolling snapshot that can vary at any given reporting period.