MIRAMAR, Calif. (KGTV) - Hundreds of Marines and Sailors got a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Friday, as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's mission to be prepared to deploy at a moment's notice.
Military members preparing to deploy are identified in Phase 1B of the vaccine rollout.
Friday, 800 doses of the vaccine were administered from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m on base.
Service members lined up outside a warehouse, down the sidewalk and around the corner for the opportunity to get the vaccine.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Surgeon Captain Alfred Shwayhat said there are more shots reserved so they don't run out, "the shots are reserved 21 days out. We’ll have a date set, so all the individuals that are here are going to receive a card with a notice to return to receive their second shot."
San Diego County has administered more than 260,000 doses of vaccine to civilians so far:
Among those getting vaccinated at MCAS Miramar are the Blue Angels who are training in San Diego.
"I feel great! I am very very thankful to have received the vaccine, I had no negative side effects and I feel fantastic and ready to get back out there," Flight Surgeon Lt. Monica Borza said.
She said at first some were hesitant, but after researching the data and trial methods she said everyone is excited to get their shot.
She said about 140 Marines and Sailors in their squadron were at the warehouse getting their shot Friday.
The very first vaccine administered on base was about two weeks ago, according to Shwayhat.
Shwayhat said he is proud to see so many taking advantage of the opportunity to protect their neighbors.
"We all go home, we are with our families, with the community members, we’re at the hospital in my case for that matter. So if we’re protecting ourselves we’re protecting the community at large as well," he said.
Shwayhat said as service members return from deployment they will receive the vaccine as it becomes available.
ABC 10News reached out to the Department of Defense asking when or if the vaccine will be mandatory and how many military members have received the vaccine so far in San Diego. We will update this article when we receive a response.
