Northwest Military

8,000 vaccines on base and counting

JBLM Covid, gym updates

By Claire Nunn on January 11, 2021

Joint Base Lewis-McChord facilities and programs will remain fundamentally locked down as they've recently been to continue following Washington State’s mandatory Phase One decision for the area, Lt. Gen. Randy George, I Corps and base commander said Monday during his regular Facebook Live townhall.

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Jensen Gym has allowed family members access beginning earlier this week, however, space requirements will be one person per 500 square feet as mandated by the state. There will not be official reservations – first come, first served.

Medical staff have vaccinated 8,000 folks on base as of Monday so far, and expect to offer seniors inoculations beginning in the next few weeks.

JBLM officials released the following update Tuesday on the progress:



"People in DOD Phase 1a/1b (healthcare providers, emergency services & public safety personnel, and those preparing to deploy) who have already received Shot #1 and are now requiring Shot #2 at 21 days per FDA recommendation. Units are coordinating with eligible individuals when they are due for their shot #2.


In addition, JBLM is vaccinating a small number of essential individuals in Phase 1a/1b, not otherwise identified above, who are pre-approved by an Exception to Policy through their chain of command."




Madigan also started a “COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline” to provide vaccine distribution information. See

https://madigan.tricare.mil/.../madigan-launches-covid-19...

Madigan Commander Scott Roofe said seniors can expect to start receiving calls from primary clinics in “next few weeks.”

The Pfizer vaccine is the only shot currently being used.

George said he has already received one dose due to his upcoming deployment.  He will complete his second on time.

Mease said negative reactions to vaccines have been predictable, namely a sore arm, redness or swelling at the injection spot, mostly on the second dose. A few have also experienced fatigue or fever, typically 24 to 48 hours after the inoculation.