As vaccinations become more available nationwide, area hospitals and pharmacies are working to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as they can.
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is no exception. To date, they have vaccinated around 3,000 veterans at the medical center and mass vaccination clinics in Marble Hill, Farmington, Cape Girardeau and other locations in Southeast Missouri. Vaccinations are by appointment only and the VA is contacting veterans as they become eligible for a shot.
Beginning Tuesday, and continuing every Tuesday for the foreseeable future, the vaccination clinic will now be held at the Missouri National Guard Armory at 1605 Cravens in Poplar Bluff, where veterans are receiving the Moderna vaccine.
This new venue in Poplar Bluff will be quite a benefit because it will not interfere with the day-to-day primary care operations at the hospital, according to VAMC officials.
The Missouri National Guard issued a statement on its participation, saying, “The Missouri National Guard is proud to be a small part of the Veteran Affairs efforts to vaccinate veterans from the community and surrounding areas.”
Angela Smith, public affairs officer with the John J. Pershing VAMC is quick to praise their participation.
“We are so grateful. They have been so good to the VA and the veterans. When they’ve had a chance to support veterans, they’ve done it,” she said. “They just keep giving and giving, it’s amazing. They are fantastic.”
Current requirements for these clinics are: you must be a veteran; be 65 years or older; or have a pre-existing or high-risk condition. As more people get vaccinated and additional vaccines become available, requirements will change, and the VA will adjust accordingly.
“We are currently contacting veterans who meet the criteria and making appointments with them and we will widen our circle of contacts as the criteria for vaccinations change,” Smith said.
According to Smith, veterans who believe they qualify for a vaccination can contact the VA at 573-686-4151, ext. 2 and ask to be scheduled for an appointment.
Army Veteran Jim Ingram, 55, was one of the people getting vaccinated.
“I’m a safety director where I work, and safety is my biggest concern so it’s very important to me,” he said. “They called me and asked me if I wanted it and I said I sure do. It’s a good deal. The staff here are doing an outstanding job and everybody is in good spirits. I want to help any way that I can.”
Army Veteran Curtis James, 55, was very pleased with the turnout.
“It’s always great to see my fellow brothers in arms getting together to do their part helping to protect the world,” he said. “It’s a true blessing to see it.”
Having served in the armed forces, James considers it his duty to get the vaccine and encourages others to do the same.
“I think that everybody should do their part to try and make this thing disappear, make the world safe again so we can start moving forward,” he said.