Articles

Jan. 7, 2022

Critically ill COVID patient delivers baby while on heart-lung bypass

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — A Marine Corps spouse and mother of five was 28 weeks pregnant when she caught a “mild case” of COVID-19 in June 2021.Ashley Savidge Hernandez felt tired but wasn’t too concerned until she began to have trouble catching her breath. Alarmed for their baby, retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hernandez drove his wife to Brooke Army Medical

Jan. 5, 2022

Avoid ERs for COVID-19 testing only

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — The San Antonio community is experiencing very high levels of COVID-19 transmission related to the omicron variant. Testing continues to be available at Brooke Army Medical Center, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and in the community; however, unprecedented demand for testing has led to congestion, long lines and some delays in

Sept. 2, 2021

BAMC expands COVID-19 vaccine program to inpatients

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — In an effort to protect its most vulnerable patients from illness, Brooke Army Medical Center is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all hospital inpatients ages 12 and older.BAMC administered its first inpatient vaccine to a postpartum patient Sept. 1.“We are honored to offer this lifesaving vaccination to our inpatients, to include our military

Aug. 16, 2021

Monoclonal antibody treatment can help some COVID-positive patients

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Brooke Army Medical Center doctors are working with the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council to help COVID patients receive the monoclonal antibody treatment and potentially lessen the severity of the illness.Some early evidence suggests monoclonal antibody treatment can reduce the amount of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes

Aug. 10, 2021

BAMC takes on additional trauma patients to ease COVID burden

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Brooke Army Medical Center is taking on additional trauma patients to help ease the rapidly increasing burden on the local healthcare system.In coordination with the city’s trauma system, BAMC is now receiving all inter-facility transfers of injured patients who require a higher level of care from across the trauma region, which encompasses 22

July 21, 2021

Active duty service members needed for COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A team of researchers is conducting an observational study involving active duty service members who have received COVID-19 vaccines. The Vaccine Effectiveness and Immune Response of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Active Military Personnel study aims to help the Defense Department better understand how well COVID-19 vaccines protect service members.“The

May 27, 2021

All Tricare beneficiaries ages 12 and up

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Brooke Army Medical Center offers same-day appointments as well as weekly walk-in days for all Tricare beneficiaries ages 12 and up. Walk-in hours are Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the COVID-19 vaccination site on main post Fort Sam Houston.COVID-19 Vaccine Availability

Dec. 17, 2020

DoD’s COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts Explained

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Vaccine candidates are being offered through an Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. Getting the vaccine protects yourself, your family, your community and our nation. The Department of Defense is implementing a standardized and coordinated strategy for prioritizing, distributing, and administering a COVID-19 vaccine(s) through a phased approach to DoD uniformed service members, both the active and Selected Reserve components, including members of the National Guard; dependents; retirees; civilian employees, and selected DoD contract personnel as authorized in accordance with DoD regulation.

Nov. 17, 2020

Medical professionals from BAMC, Argentine Army discuss COVID best practices

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Brooke Army Medical Center and Argentine Army’s Central Military Medical Hospital medical professionals did not let 5,600 miles of separation keep them from discussing best practices against COVID-19 on Oct. 21.