Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Army Recruiter volunteers to administer COVID-19 vaccination

Image of Military health personnel wearing a face mask giving someone the COVID-19 Vaccine. Army Master Sgt. Carolyn Lange, a licensed practical nurse, administers the Covid-19 vaccine on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, on Feb. 26. (Photo by: Jeremy Todd, 1st Medical Recruiting Battalion)

As the COVID-19 vaccination effort ramps up across the country, a key element to delivering the vaccine is having enough qualified health care workers to administer the doses. That has presented Army Master Sgt. Carolyn Lange an opportunity to maintain her skills as a licensed practical nurse while serving as a recruiter with the 1st Medical Recruiting Battalion on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

For 18 years and two overseas deployments, Lange has provided critical care to soldiers and their family members. She has also contributed her expertise and experience to younger generations of LPNs by serving as an instructor at the Medical Center of Excellence in Fort Sam Houston, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Her current assignment to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command has her recruiting qualified individuals to serve in the Nurse Corps, a role she has worked in for the past two years.

In recent years, Lange has volunteered to administer seasonal flu shots in the Fort Meade area.

"I've enjoyed helping out with vaccinations while recruiting, I feel like it helps me stay connected with the MEDCOM community," said Lange.

When COVID-19 vaccinations became available to the Fort Meade community, Lange was eager to volunteer. "I am hopeful that if we can get enough people vaccinated, we can go back to a more 'normal' life, and I just wanted to do my part," Lange said.

After completing a series of training courses and an in-person competency assessment, Lange has become a valuable member of the vaccination team. A typical day involves her arriving by 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the first arrivals.

"Most people have an appointment and the organizers have done a great job with ensuring social distancing and good flow," Lange said. "Very few people have to wait long to get their vaccine and are able to head out quickly."

Balancing volunteer work with her regular job has been easy with the support of her command and family. She's even hopeful her husband, also a detailed recruiter and trained combat medic, will complete the training process and join her at the vaccination site.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely going to be something significant in my military time when I look back on it, so I am glad that even though my current role in USAREC is away from patient care, I was able to help out in some way," she said.

More than 2,000 health care professionals commissioned into the Army last year in more than 50 different specialties of physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and other providers. They joined a team of nearly 100,000 Army medical professionals serving around the world. These soldiers provide sustained health services and research to enable readiness and conserve the fighting strength while caring for our Army Soldiers and families.

You also may be interested in...

DOD Directs Employees to Start Wearing Face Masks Again

Article
7/29/2021
Military personnel wearing a face masks

Following guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the DOD has directed employees working in areas at high risk for transmission to begin using face masks again

It’s Not Over Yet: Some COVID Safety Precautions Remain Necessary

Article
7/22/2021
a crowd of people

Returning to society when fully vaccinated is great but keep that mask handy.

How COVID-19 fast-tracked innovation in the Military Health System

Article
7/20/2021
Military personnel receiving the COVID-19 test

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of healthcare delivery, the Military Health System responded with new and innovative ways to fight the disease and deliver safe, quality care to patients.

COVID Vaccinations Rise -- But So Do Concerns of the Delta Variant

Article
7/1/2021
Military personnel wearing a face mask preparing a COVID-19 vaccine

MHS expected to reach 70% COVID-10 vaccination rate in July.

The Battle Against the COVID-19 Delta Variant

Video
6/29/2021
The Battle Against the COVID-19 Delta Variant

Like our enemies in the past, the coronavirus has adapted and we're now dealing with the most transmissible variant yet, Delta. The fight can be won with vaccination. If you're not yet vaccinated against the coronavirus, go get your shot today. Otherwise you're at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

New COVID-19 Delta Variant: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Article
6/28/2021
Military personnel receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 Delta variant spreading rapidly; it’s time to get vaccinated

The Delta Variant: A New Reason to Get Vaccinated

Video
6/25/2021
The Delta Variant: A New Reason to Get Vaccinated

Are you a service member age 18 to 30? Are you unvaccinated? You may be entitled to severe disease, hospitalization, and death. To avoid these options, get vaccinated today!

Army’s 773rd administers mobile COVID-19 testing during DEF21

Article
6/4/2021
Three military personnel, wearing masks and lab coats, pose for a picture in an Albanian lab.

Approximately 800 Army Reserve soldiers from the U.S. and Europe participated in DEFENDER-Europe 21.

Mental Health Panel Discusses Impact of COVID-19

Article
6/3/2021
Military personnel wearing face mask speaking on a panel

Walter Reed Bethesda hosts mental health panel to discuss the impacts of COVID-19.

Based on data, MHS experts encourage vaccines for adolescents

Article
6/1/2021
Sister and brother smiling at each other

With the Pfizer vaccine approved for youth ages 12 to 15, MHS adolescents are lining up to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Shots in arms” – OPT planned & coordinated to meet COVID-19 mission

Article
5/28/2021
Military personnel sitting around a table talking

The Department of Defense’s COVID-19 Operational Planning Team has been the quiet force behind the DOD’s vaccination effort since November.

VAX Facts: Breastfeeding after the COVID-19 Vaccine

Video
5/28/2021
VAX Facts: Breastfeeding after the COVID-19 Vaccine

Dr. LC Collins encourages people who are breastfeeding to get the vaccine. Since the vaccine doesn't contain live virus, you can't pass COVID to your baby.

Are mRNA vaccines safe?

Video
5/28/2021
Are mRNA vaccines safe?

Dr. LC Collins explains the years of research and ongoing monitoring to show how mRNA vaccines are safe and effective.

What is an mRNA vaccine?

Video
5/28/2021
What is an mRNA vaccine?

Dr. LC Collins explains how mRNA vaccines work to protect you from COVID-19.

VAX Facts: Do I Need the Vaccine if I Had COVID?

Video
5/28/2021
VAX Facts: Do I Need the Vaccine if I Had COVID?

Dr. LC Collins talks about the importance of getting vaccinated even if you already had COVID. We're not sure how long natural immunity lasts, so getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself.

Page 9 of 27 , showing items 121 - 135
First < ... 6 7 8 9 10  ... > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: May 04, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery