WASHINGTON -- Vice Adm. W. R. Merz, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, OPNAV N3/N5, released NAVADMIN 289/21 today, encouraging all Active and Reserve Component Navy personnel to obtain a COVID-19 booster shot.
The new NAVADMIN indicates that while a booster is not currently mandatory, Navy leadership anticipates that it may become so in the future.
“We know the vaccines are effective – they’re protecting our Sailors,” said Merz. “Studies are showing the booster is a critical step in continued protection against COVID-19 and we absolutely encourage everyone to receive it.”
The guidance applies to Active Duty and Reserve Sailors who completed the primary Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series more than six months ago, or who received a primary dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine more than two months ago. The NAVADMIN further states that individuals may “mix and match” their dosing, allowing Sailors to choose any U.S. authorized COVID-19 vaccine booster that has received either FDA licensure or FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
Service members can elect to receive the booster from military or commercial health sources, but must provide documentation to their command within five working days if they obtain the shot via commercial means. Before receiving any booster shot, Sailors should review that vaccine’s Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers and contact their Primary Care Manager with any concerns which cannot be addressed by the vaccine provider.
To make an appointment to receive your vaccine, please visit https://tricare.mil/vaccineappointments.
The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans, and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces.