Efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccine to Department of Defense personnel have expanded to 14 countries at 38 distribution sites across the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) area of responsibility.

The increase of vaccination sites is the result of actions by the service components, which are responsible for providing the vaccine via established DoD guidance. USEUCOM leadership is committed to the fair and equitable distribution of vaccine resources throughout the area of responsibility.

The vaccine roll out around the world is being managed through a phase driven distribution process to safely protect DOD personnel from COVID-19 as quickly as possible.

“While the roll out is in its phased approach, we encourage all personnel to remain patient as services continue to distribute the vaccine,” said U.S. Air Force Reserve Major April Miller, a joint medical planner with the USEUCOM Command Surgeon's Office. “The services are working their way through the prioritized categories of personnel. Everyone in DOD will be offered the vaccine as more doses become available.”

While participation in the vaccine program remains voluntary for all DOD personnel, leaders at all levels continue to encourage personnel to take the vaccine when offered. As has been discussed from the start, the vaccine allows for greater force health protection by allowing individuals to protect their health and the health of their families and communities.

All DOD personnel should keep in mind that receiving the vaccine does not exempt individuals from the public health and force health protection measures that are currently in place, including proper social distancing, wearing of face masks, washing hands, and travel restrictions.

To stay informed about the latest COVID-19 information, please refer to the official resources provided below:

U.S. Department of Defense COVID 19: https://www.defense.gov/explore/spotlight/coronavirus/
Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Re-open EU: https://reopen.europa.eu/

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About USEUCOM

U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.