An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Articles
News | Jan. 5, 2021

Vermont National Guard rolls out first doses of COVID vaccine

By Don Branum Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

Medical personnel with the Vermont Army National Guard Medical Detachment, the 158th Medical Group, and the University of Vermont Medical Center administered COVID-19 vaccinations to 60 Soldiers and Airmen here Jan. 4.

Soldiers and Airmen who are part of upcoming mobilizations and those whose jobs place them at risk of higher COVID-19 exposure were among the first recipients of the vaccine, which arrived at Camp Johnson the last week of December.

“My unit was looking for volunteers, so I said, ‘Why not,’” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Stevens, a water purification specialist with Alpha Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion. Stevens is currently assigned to support the Strategic National Stockpile warehouse in Colchester.

The Vermont National Guard’s supply of vaccines is provided through the Defense Department. The state of Vermont and Department of Veterans Affairs have separate supply channels.

“None of these vaccines are diverted from the state’s allocation for nursing homes or high-risk health care providers,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, the state’s adjutant general.

National Guard service members who are on Title 32, Section 502(f) orders are eligible to receive the vaccine, said Lt. Col. James McBride, the Vermont National Guard’s chief of operations. Currently, 122 Soldiers and Airmen are on state active duty to support the state’s COVID-19 response.

Those receiving the vaccine were kept for 15 minutes in case they exhibited any reactions to the shot, but the first round was uneventful, with a few noting that they didn’t even feel a sting.

“Even my flu shot hurts worse than this,” said Staff Sgt. Yolande Allen, who normally performs with the 40th Army Band but is currently working in an elevated-risk environment.

Service members should continue to wear masks, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing, and continue following all state guidelines after receiving the shot.

“Even though you may not get COVID-19, it’s possible that you still might be able to spread it,” Knight said.

Vermont National Guard service members will continue receiving the vaccine as it becomes available through the Department of Defense. Those on orders supporting the COVID-19 response and deploying in 2021 are the first to receive the vaccine.

Additional vaccine rollouts are scheduled to take place Jan. 6 and Jan. 8.

The COVID-19 vaccine is designed to be delivered in two doses, with the second dose received four weeks after the first. It takes approximately six weeks after the second dose for the body to develop effective immunity to the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard - April 2025

The above YouTube video link may not work on all government computers. Read the transcript of MG Gregory Knight's full State of the Guard here.

National Guard News
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...