Indiana Guardsmen take on new COVID-19 vaccination mission

Indiana National Guard Sgt. Abigail Gates, a medic with 38th Infantry Division, administers a COVID-19 vaccination shot Dec. 16, 2020, in Franklin, Indiana, to Sgt. 1st Class Ben Cripe, an artilleryman. Hoosier Guardsmen have been critical to fighting the coronavirus pandemic, helping at food banks, distributing protective equipment, assisting long-term care facilities. They will now help distribute the coronavirus vaccine.</p>

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Indiana National Guard Sgt. Abigail Gates, a medic with 38th Infantry Division, administers a COVID-19 vaccination shot Dec. 16, 2020, in Franklin, Indiana, to Sgt. 1st Class Ben Cripe, an artilleryman. Hoosier Guardsmen have been critical to fighting the coronavirus pandemic, helping at food banks, distributing protective equipment, assisting long-term care facilities. They will now help distribute the coronavirus vaccine.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS – Approximately 150 members of the Indiana National Guard and officials with the Indiana Department of Health will help distribute, transport and administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Hoosiers across the state.

"We go when we're called, and now this new assignment to help deliver the COVID-19 vaccine will be another integral cog to turn the tide in our favor against the coronavirus," said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard.

Guardsmen will come from the ranks of those already involved in the pandemic battle on missions at long-term care facilities and testing sites.

Ten teams of medical- and general-support Guard members and health department personnel will transport the Moderna vaccine in health department vehicles.

As long-term care facilities recover, Guard members will pivot to the distribution mission and vaccination operations. Yet, facilities with the most urgent need, as determined by the Indiana Department of Health, will still receive Guard support until Feb. 28.

Guard members continue to provide infection control and administrative and resident support where needed.

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