DoD beneficiaries 75 and older receive COVID-19 vaccine at JBER

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The Allergy and Immunization Clinic at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, has begun administering the COVID-19 vaccine to Department of Defense beneficiaries 75 years old and older as of Jan. 29, 2021.

Patricia James, an 88-year-old dependent of a retired Air Force service member, was among those who received the vaccine today.

“I was really apprehensive at first, but when I spoke to one of the nurses, she reassured me there was really nothing to it,” said James. “I didn’t feel anything when I got the shot, and it is something we have to do for others.”

Twenty-eight elderly dependents and persons with limited mobility were vaccinated by the 673d Medical Group Jan. 29. JBER is following the Department of Defense’s phased approach to vaccinate TRICARE beneficiaries. TRICARE is the health care program of the U.S. DoD Military Health System.

“We are currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all TRICARE beneficiaries 75 and older,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason Dommer, the 673d MDG Medical Control Center team chief. “If you are interested in signing up for the vaccine and are a TRICARE beneficiary who is 75 or older, please call the JBER appointment line at 907-580-2778.”

At this time, like many other locations, JBER’s vaccine supply is limited.

“I just want the people who really need the shot to get it first,” said James after receiving the vaccine. “I also want to let people know that the shot is nothing; you walk right through.”

The vaccine is an important step in substantially reducing the public health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. After receiving the vaccination, wearing a mask and physical distancing are still required until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determines the pandemic risk is diminished.