On Saturday, the Houston VA Veterans Vaccine Clinic at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center had veterans in line hours before 8 p.m.
Vaccinations could not arrive soon enough for some veterans, including John Hamilton, who has isolated himself to prevent the virus from spreading.
“It’s been almost a year, I’ve been in my apartment,” Hamilton said. “(I’ve been) just walking the dog more than anything else.”
According to the VA, the weekend outpatient clinic is exclusively for veterans age 75 and older, and to get the vaccine here, they must be enrolled to receive care at the Houston VAMC or one of the community-based outpatient clinics. .
“People who want to be vaccinated must wear identification, wear a mask to enter the facility, maintain social distancing and not be ill, including having symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever,” the VA wrote. in a Facebook post.
The VA also noted that veterans should be available for a follow-up appointment for the second dose of the vaccine in about three weeks.
Saturday’s clinic was at least the second event at the VA. Last weekend’s clinic was so popular that administrators decided to continue this weekend. The AV has been vaccinated during the week by appointment and has performed about 10,000 injections so far.
No appointments were needed for Saturday’s clinic, which would remain open until vaccination limits are reached.
Houston’s VA was one of the first in the country to receive the COVID-19 vaccine because the facility has a deep freezer in place, officials said. Extreme cold storage is required for the vaccine, which must be kept 94 degrees below zero before administration.
Veterans can also call 713-794-8985 to schedule an appointment to get a vaccine during the week, according to the VA.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is located on the first floor of the medical center at 2002 Holcombe Blvd.
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