ALCOAST 430/20 - NOV 2020 COVID-19: INITIAL COVID-19 VACCINE PLANNING UPDATE

R 271043 NOV 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//DCMS-DPR//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N06000//
ALCOAST 430/20
COMDTNOTE 6000
SUBJ:  COVID-19: INITIAL COVID-19 VACCINE PLANNING UPDATE
1. This ALCOAST provides initial information on COVID-19 vaccine planning,
as well as a link to the Coast Guard’s COVID-19 website where additional
information will be posted as additional details become available.
2. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraged by
the news that safe, effective vaccines will soon become widely available to
enable us to end this national emergency. The U.S. Operation Warp Speed is
a national effort to develop and deliver safe vaccines across the U.S., with
the goal of the first supply becoming available before the end of this year. 
Today, multiple vaccine manufacturers have announced viable vaccines and are
applying to the U.S. government for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The first of these vaccines may be available for distribution and administration
to select populations as soon as mid-December.
3. The Coast Guard has been closely working with the Department of Defense (DoD)
on vaccine distribution planning since August, and is also coordinating with the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vaccine distribution effort. 
4. Our goal is that every member of the Coast Guard (Active, Reserve, Civilian,
Auxiliary), our family members, and retirees, will be able to receive a safe,
effective COVID-19 vaccine through one of several methods as part of Operation
Warp Speed. Within the Coast Guard, we will be ready and prepared to distribute
and directly administer the vaccine to Coast Guard military (Active and Reserve)
and select civilian personnel in certain medical and critical support roles once
it becomes available, based on the national prioritization framework and status
of authorization for use. For those for whom we cannot directly administer the
vaccine, we will communicate how and where you can receive a vaccine.
5. There are many questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, including whether it will
be mandatory for military (Active and Reserve) personnel. Currently there are no
directives that would make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for Coast Guard members. 
In the event of a Presidential Executive Order mandating vaccines, or the forthcoming
EUA includes Service guidance for mandatory vaccine, updated policy will be provided.   
6. We are currently focused on planning the logistics for distribution, prioritization
of Coast Guard vaccination needs, and on training and equipping Coast Guard
medical staff to administer the vaccine. 
7. We will provide additional information on the vaccine distribution through regular
updates and at the Coast Guard COVID-19 internet page. Up to date FAQ’s on the ongoing
vaccine effort can be found at:
https://www.uscg.mil/Coronavirus/Information/Article/2415740/vaccine-faqs/.
8. POC: CAPT Paul T. Michaud, email at Paul.T.Michaud@uscg.mil or phone (202) 475-5171
9. VADM Michael F. McAllister, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.