a. The number one priority of DoD is protection of our people during the pandemic.

 

b. The DoD is working to get the vaccine to all our personnel as quickly as possible, while recognizing the need to use initial vaccine doses for key populations within the DoD family. That's why on January 7, 2021, the Military Departments were given the authority to move through the population schema tiers without additional authorization.

 

c. DoD will continue to use a conditions-based approach in collaboration with state, regional and local leaders, host nations, and public health experts to maintain safe duty locations.

 

d. We urge all Service members, DoD employees, and their families to follow proper personal safety precautions.

 

e. DoD agrees with the CDC position that the second dose for mRNA vaccines should be at the timelines identified in the EUA. When this is not possible due to the unique aspects of our operational environment and tempo, CDC has stated that the second dose administration may be scheduled up to 42 days past the first dose.

 

f. We are aware that some people have experienced severe allergic reactions—also known as anaphylaxis—after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. If you had a severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, CDC recommends that you should not get the second dose.

 

g. Even if you have been vaccinated, other COVID-19 safety precautions like masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing, should remain in effect until experts better understand the extent of protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide.

 

h. In order to provide the Military Departments clear direction and ensure the most essential and vulnerable populations receive the vaccines as quickly as possible, the population schema was updated January 15, 2021 to further define national leadership, frontline and other essential workers, and now includes those 75 years old and older.

 

i. DoD beneficiaries 75 and older are encouraged to access COVID-19 vaccines through their closest Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). The availability of the vaccine will vary by location. The DHA is developing several options to assist military hospitals and clinics in reaching out to you. If you’re age 75 or older, you can watch for news from your local military hospital or clinic. You can visit your military hospital’s website, news media, or social media to stay informed about vaccine updates. You should contact your local military hospital or clinic for their vaccination process and availability. The vaccines will be more broadly available in the coming months.

 

j. COVID-19 is a global challenge that no nation can face alone – our strong network of alliances and partnerships is critical to combating this virus.

 

k. We maintain a ready, global presence, strong and capable no matter the threat.

Who is eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine at Yokota AB?

• Active Duty service members and their dependents stationed at Yokota AB.
• GS civilians and contractors employed at Yokota AB who possess a DoD ID.
• Retirees in the community who possess a DoD ID.

What vaccine will Yokota AB be offering?

• Yokota AB is administering the Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to adults 18 years old and older and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12-17 years old.

I am curious about the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  Where can I get more information?

• There are multiple resources available to you:
  • CDC link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
  • FDA Website: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization
  • Moderna Website: https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/faq

I am curious about the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Where can I get more information?

• There are multiple resources available to you:
  • CDC link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
  • FDA Website: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization
  • Johnson & Johnson Website: https://www.jnj.com/latest-news/things-to-know-about-johnson-johnson-janssen-covid-19-vaccine

I am curious about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  Where can I get more information?

• There are multiple resources available to you:
  • CDC link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
  • FDA Website: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization
  • Pfizer Website: https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/the_facts_about_pfizer_and_biontech_s_covid_19_vaccine

What is the difference between the vaccines being offered by the US Government?

• From www.cdc.gov

Vaccine Brand Name	Technology	Who Can Get this Vaccine [ 1 ]	How Many Shots You Will Need?	When Are You Fully Vaccinated?	Effectivity
Pfizer-BioNTech	mRNA vaccine	People 12 years and older	2 shots Given 3 weeks (21 days) apart [ 2 ]	2 weeks after your second shot	95% in preventing laboratory confirmed COVID-19
Moderna	mRNA vaccine	People 18 years and older	2 shots Given 4 weeks (28 days) apart [ 2 ]	2 weeks after your second shot	94.1% in preventing laboratory confirmed COVID-19
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen	Viral vector vaccine	People 18 years and older	1 shot	2 weeks after your shot	66.3% in preventing laboratory confirmed COVID-19. 100% in preventing hospitalization

¹ If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine you are scheduled to receive, you should not get that vaccine. If you have been instructed not to get one type of COVID-19 vaccine, you may still be able to get another type.

² You should get your second shot as close to the recommended 3-week or 4-week interval as possible. However, your second shot may be given up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose, if necessary.

Can I get COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine?

• No. The vaccines being offered DO NOT contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cannot cause disease. Because it activates the immune system, it can cause mild symptoms in some people (e.g., fatigue, achiness, fever).

Has anyone died from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

• To date, according to the CDC, the United States has administered more than 245 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Only two serious types of health problems after vaccination have been identified. Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) after COVID-19 vaccination is rare and occurred in approximately 2 to 5 people per million in the United States. Fortunately, vaccination providers have therapies available to effectively and immediately treat patients who experience anaphylaxis following vaccination. Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome after vaccination with Janssen COVID-19 vaccination has been observed in 7 per 1 million women between 18-49 years old. The CDC does not comment on the incidence of death from the vaccination. They do report that the known and potential benefits of the vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID-19.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for Active Duty service members?

• No, the vaccine is voluntary at this time.

I am ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  When and where can I get it?

• Please visit https://informatics-stage.health.mil/DAP/GeoLocations.aspx to make an appointment.
• Vaccine supply is challenging overseas as vaccinations sites are being prioritized all over the world with limited manufacture supply. Your flexibility is appreciated and the MDG is working hard to ensure everyone receives there vaccines within the recommended timeframe.
• Please DO NOT contact the MDG appointment line or the Immunizations clinic to schedule your vaccination. Your call/question may not be answered as we are engaged in our regular operations.

I have medical problems. Am I considered high risk?

• Per the CDC, high risk conditions include Chronic Kidney Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, Cerebrovascular disease, Immunocompromised state (i.e. solid organ transplant, HIV, use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications), Cancer, Pregnancy, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathies, Type 1 and 2 DM, COPD, Lung disease such as interstitial lung disease/pulmonary fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Overweight and Obesity (25 kg/m2 or higher), Dementia, Liver disease, Smoking, Substance use disorders. Please discuss any specific health related questions with your PCM.

Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breast feeding?

• Pregnant and lactating patients were not included in the initial vaccine trials. However, pregnant or lactating patients should consider the efficacy of the vaccine, the risk and potential severity of contracting COVID while pregnant or lactating, and the safety of the vaccine to determine if they wish to receive the vaccine.
• ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on ACIP-recommended priority groups and are desiring to be vaccinated.
• The CDC and FDA safety monitoring system have not identified any additional safety concerns for pregnant people who were vaccinated or for their babies.
• Pregnant and lactating patients should be offered the ability to speak with an obstetrical healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccination, but this is not a requirement to obtain the vaccination
• Studies in animals receiving a Moderna, Pfizer, or Janssen COVID-19 vaccine before or during pregnancy found no safety concerns in pregnant animals or their babies.
• ACOG recommends COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to lactating individuals similar to non- lactating individuals when they meet criteria for receipt of the vaccine. Recent reports have shown that breastfeeding people who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies.

I am due for my 2^nd dose of Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  When and where can I get it?

• The back of your vaccine card should indicate a date that is 28 days from your 1^st dose vaccine. The CDC has provided a recommended window of 24-42 days within which to receive the 2^nd dose. A 2^nd dose will not be given before 24 days but it will be offered even if the 42 day limit has been exceeded.
• We have pre-ordered all the second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.  However, we are highly dependent on our supply chain. Once we receive our orders, your until will receive notification from the Wing/MDG when vaccination lines will be held. The units will disseminate the information down to eligible groups/individuals.
• Information about vaccine lines will also be announced on the AFMS-Yokota-374th Medical Group Facebook page.

My 2^nd dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine due date falls on a weekend, will I be given vaccine that day?

• Your 2^nd dose due date is the date that falls 28 days after your 1^st dose. This could be on a weekend or even a holiday. Depending on when vaccinations lines are stood up you could receive your vaccine on a weekend/holiday. There is, however, a 24-42 day recommended window in which to receive your 2^nd dose vaccine. It is most likely you will receive your vaccine on a duty day.

What if I do not receive my 2^nd dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine before the 42 days?

• Per CDC guidance, there is no maximum interval between the 1^st and 2^nd dose. This means you DO NOT have to restart the series; you would get the 2^nd dose as soon as you are able to. We, however, cannot give accurate information about the efficacy of the vaccine with an extended time interval as this was not studied during the clinical trials.

I received my 1^st dose Moderna vaccine but now I am PCSing/going TDY or deploying. When can I get my 2^nd dose?

• You should get your second shot as close to the recommended 1-month interval as possible. As long as the MDG has vaccines available you can expect to get your 2^nd dose anywhere from 24 days to 42 days after the 1^st dose. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses and therefore, you can receive your vaccine once you return or arrive to your new duty location. Please ensure that you are receiving the same vaccine (i.e. Moderna) as your first dose. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

I don’t think I will be able to get my 2nd dose here at Yokota, but I may be able to get it at my new base/TDY/deployed location where they are NOT offering the Moderna vaccine. What do I do?

• The Janssen vaccine requires only 1 dose and therefore is the preferred vaccine option in this situation.
• It is recommended that with the 2 does Moderna vaccine you wait and receive both of your doses at your new duty location. If you have already received your 1^st dose vaccine and are unable to receive a 2^nd dose by the same manufacturer, you will need to restart a 2 dose series or receive a vaccine that only requires 1 dose such as Janssen.

If I have received my COVID-19 vaccine do I still need to wear a mask, social distance, ROM, and obtain pre-travel testing?

• All fully-vaccinated individuals on Yokota Air Base or Tama Hills Recreation Area are no longer required to wear masks indoors or outdoors on the installation with the following exceptions:
  • (1) All personnel are still required to wear a mask when inside any medical or dental facility on the installation regardless of vaccination status. Masks are also required when entering any school, child care center, or daycare facility on the installation.
  • (2) All personnel are still required to wear masks while off the installation in Japan and in public (i.e. not in a private dwelling). Japanese citizens commonly wear masks in public settings and our personnel should also do so off-installation at this time of heightened COVID response to prevent the spread of infection and to promote a responsible image to the host nation civilian population.
  • (3) Fully-vaccinated individuals are still required to wear a mask when using any form of public transportation such as planes, buses, trains, or subways either on or off the installation. This includes those passengers using military air or contracted flights that depart or arrive at Yokota Air Base.
  • (4) Fully-vaccinated individuals must wear a mask while interacting with any host nation personnel on the installation including civilian employees and Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel. The definition of interacting includes, but is not limited to, approaching a cashier at a facility on base such as the commissary, BX, or a dining establishment, working in an office environment with no divider or social distance possible, or being within six feet of host nation personnel on the installation.
• Strict social distancing (6 feet of distance from all other personnel) still applies to any activity outside of the residence or domicile.
• ROM is still required for vaccinated members.
• Pre-travel testing is still required for vaccinated members.

I have received the COVID-19 vaccine in the past 24 hours and feel sick. What do I do?

• If you have received the vaccine within the past 24 hours and are experiencing soreness or mild redness around the injection site, fevers, headache, fatigue, muscle aches or nausea, you are likely experiencing known symptoms related to your body’s immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine.
• If side effects from the vaccine last beyond 72 hours, please call the 374 Medical Group COVID-19 Hotline during normal duty hours (0730-1630, M-F) at DSN: 225-8864 Opt 7 or Cell: 042-552-2510 Ext. 58864 Opt 7 for a health screening and instructions.
• If you are experiencing a rash, swelling of the face, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or vision changes, please present immediately to the Urgent Care or closest Emergency Room to be evaluated.

Do I have to ROM if I have been vaccinated?

• All DoD uniformed personnel, members of the civilian component, and individuals with SOFA-status arriving in Japan from another country that are fully vaccinated (14 days after a 2 dose series or single dose vaccine) shall travel directly to their domicile and will, at a minimum, be restricted to a U.S. installation for 14 days. On or after day 8, vaccinated individuals will be required to take a viral test. After day 14, the individuals that have a negative viral test may have the restriction to an US installation removed. The individual must remain asymptomatic for the duration of the vaccinated ROM period of 14 days.
• For questions about ROM, please review the ROM handbook and contact your Unit ROM POC.