COVID-19 Vaccination Remains Available for US Military Personnel in Europe

Strategic Insights -

As European countries continue to ease restrictions for vaccinated travelers, COVID-19 vaccines remain available for US military personnel and their beneficiaries across the US European Command (USEUCOM) area. The vaccines have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. With the infection rates decreasing in many places, gathering and travel restrictions are being lifted, but those who have not been vaccinated are still at risk. The use of digital COVID certificates, which can be obtained through registration with host nation systems, has become a common practice in several European countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three types of vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson) are available for US DoD personnel and beneficiaries in Europe, all of which have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
  • 6 months into the vaccination program, a good number of people have already gotten vaccinated, but those who have been waiting should consider getting the vaccine now to get closer to normal sooner.
  • COVID-19 is still with us, and people will need protection from the virus and its emerging variants for the foreseeable future.
  • Several European countries have begun issuing digital COVID certificates to people who are fully vaccinated, which can be used to verify vaccination status for entry into public venues, restaurants, shops, and transportation modes.
  • DoD personnel and beneficiaries living in European countries may be able to register their vaccinations in a host nation system and be issued a digital certificate.
  • Registration procedures vary by country, and information about the registration process can be found on the European Union's Re-Open EU website (https://reopen.europa.eu/en).
  • Vaccinations for DoD personnel and beneficiaries remain voluntary at this time, and appointments for vaccinations are no longer needed at some USEUCOM medical treatment facilities.
  • Force health protection continues to be a top priority for USEUCOM, and all personnel are reminded to remain vigilant and to follow health protection guidelines in their area.

Statistics:

  • 3 types of vaccines are available for US DoD personnel and beneficiaries in Europe (Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson).
  • 6 months have passed since the vaccination program began in Europe.
  • A good number of people (exact number not specified) have already gotten vaccinated in Europe.
  • COVID-19 infection rates are decreasing in many places worldwide.
  • Several European countries have issued digital COVID certificates to people who are fully vaccinated (exact number not specified).

Sources:

  • European Command: By U.S. European Command Public Affairs, United States European Command
  • https://reopen.europa.eu/en (European Union's Re-Open EU website)