DHS Vaccinates Thousands of Employees Through Operation VOW

Secretary of Homeland Security Alexander Mayorkas recently announced the progress of Operation Vaccinate Our Workforce (VOW), which has vaccinated over 58,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees. While at the beginning of the year there were just 8 vaccination centers open, that number has increased to 163 participating centers as of April 5.

Secretary Mayorkas explained, “I am proud of the incredible progress that Operation VOW has made in just two months, thanks to the dedication of the DHS and VHA personnel leading this effort. DHS is committed to protecting our employees by ensuring they have access to the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.”

A number of different events have taken place to vaccinate DHS employees through Operation VOW. One vaccination event, which took place at the southwest border of the United States, resulted in 175 employees getting vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Constance Johnson-Cage, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer and Operation VOW Vaccinations Events Lead, said of the effort, “The logistics and coordination of this inaugural southwest border event was made possible by the effective collaboration of all federal partners. Their diligent efforts ensured every DHS employee who wanted a shot, received a shot.”

Furthermore, another event to vaccinate DHS employees was hosted by Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), United States Secret Service (USSS), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the FLETC campus in Artesia, New Mexico. Employees were able to get vaccinated in a safe, secure setting. FLETC Artesia site director Terry Todd stated in reference to the vaccination event, “It’s a game changer having vaccinated students. It will greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread and allow more flexibility in our COVID-19 protective posture and protocols.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) applauded this effort by DHS. FLEOA President Cosme said, “During the pandemic, one of FLEOA’s top priorities has been ensuring every federal law enforcement officer is able to get vaccinated if they choose. We appreciate Secretary Mayorkas for acting on our concerns and prioritizing that every DHS personnel that wants a vaccine is able to access one.”