Fort Riley first responders and medical staff received the first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday at the Irwin Army Community Hospital.
“We have to continue our COVID-19 defenses—masking, hygiene and physical distancing—but as of today, we are taking the fight to the virus,” Major General D.A. Sims said.
The first person on base to receive a vaccine was an emergency room doctor.
In addition to medical staff, soldiers who volunteer will also be offered the vaccine so as to “protect the nation’s defense force, prevent further spread and preserve mission-essential personnel.”
While the vaccine is currently being administered on a volunteer basis, it may become mandatory for military personnel when it is officially licensed by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Modern version of the COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, each being administered about four weeks apart,
