The US Navy believes getting vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 is very important and even the state’s namesake, the USS Missouri, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, is doing it’s part to be fully vaccinated. On January 10th, the Missouri pulled into port at United States Fleet Activities – Yokosuka, Japan for a scheduled port visit. During that visit, the crew participated in a “shot exercise” where 95% of the 130 man crew received COVID-19 booster shots. Missouri’s Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Nash Bovard, says “We were able to get it done in a couple of hours for the entire crew, which is amazing.” The remaining crew was ineligible due to the timing of their first vaccination.
Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Allyn Brown, the chief enlisted medic at Commander, Submarine Group 7 says, “While booster vaccines are not yet mandatory, it is in the best interest of deploying crews to get boosted prior to underway. This allows for maximum flexibility and protection against the virus.”
Vaccines are available at locations across the US. If you are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, contact your local health center or go to https://www.vaccines.gov/
