NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Over 1,000 mission essential employees who’ve remained on site at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna to provide pandemic support received the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by March 26.
First and second doses are being administered at a vaccine pod at the base fitness center, where Fillmore U.S. Army Health Clinic staff are providing shots to installation employees. The vaccines were made possible through coordination between officials at DLA Distribution and the Dunham U.S. Army Health Clinic at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
DLA employees from the distribution center; Parachute Rigger Unit; and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation are helping stage and monitor the vaccine pod, checking patients in and taking temperatures. The pod is managed by Jennifer O’Hara, a registered nurse from the clinic.
Features like high ceilings and a large footprint for proper social distancing make the fitness center a good location for the vaccine pod, she said.
“Without the support of the DLA Installation Management team, we would have needed to temporarily close the installation’s Fillmore U.S. Army Health Clinic for normal operations in order to support the vaccine pod,” added Dr. Christina B. Maier, clinic medical director. “Now we are able to maintain a full schedule of appointments for active-duty military, retirees and family members.”
Protecting people has been a Defense Department priority throughout the pandemic. DOD and DLA officials have coordinated with the Defense Health Agency, state and local leaders, host nation officials and public health experts to ensure safety while providing personal protective equipment and vaccines.