NMCSD Opens New Immunization Clinic

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob L Greenberg

Naval Medical Center San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a new, centralized immunization clinic Aug. 26.

Centralizing the hospital’s immunization program will lead to more efficient patient processing and high vaccination rates.

“Primary prevention is a proactive approach to controlling a disease before it takes root in a community and before it progresses to have a negative impact on our health,” said Cmdr. M. J. Hessert, NMCSD’s director of public health. “NMCSD delivers 250,000 vaccinations per year through the immunization program, which is at the forefront of the military medical readiness mission. It directly impacts warfighters and their families.”

The new immunization clinic will offer a safe, efficient and centralized approach to both in- and outpatient vaccination services for military members and beneficiaries.

“The clinic will identify any gaps in a patient’s immunization record and safely immunize them to mitigate any vulnerabilities,” said Hessert. “Since every dollar spent on immunization prevents $33 in healthcare costs in the future, [a centralized immunization clinic] is a very sound investment.”

Organizing and centralizing an immunization program is vital to an efficient, widespread distribution of vaccinations.

“The most significant barrier to immunization or vaccination development for the military and academia was organization,” said Tracy Lopez, NMCSD’s immunization program manager. “NMCSD has developed a central clinic that will provide reliability and efficiency for vaccination support.”

Looking toward the future, Lopez ascertains that NMCSD will be on the forefront of health enterprises.

“As the new, central immunization clinic matures and staff develop additional proficiencies and expertise, NMCSD will be the leader in Navy Region Southwest for public health initiatives and the support of our uniform members, eligible family members and support staff,” said Lopez.

NMCSD’s command triad attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the commanding officer delivered hopeful remarks.

“The delivery of safer patient care is what we strive for,” said Capt. Bradford Smith, NMCSD’s commanding officer. “The new immunization clinic is a more efficient use of resources, and our patients will experience better service because of it.”

NMCSD’s mission is to prepare to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver quality health care services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in the San Diego region to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere. 

Visit navy.mil/local/sd/ or facebook.com/NMCSD for more information.