Saturday, across the Delaware Valley, there was a push to get those who need it most, starting with veterans.
At the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, veterans 75 and older and those with chronic health conditions rolled up their sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Marine Corps veteran Ed Murray says he was initially concerned about the shot, but realized the benefits far outweighed the risks.
“I think it’s extremely important if you want to protect yourself, protect your community, protect your family,” Murray said.
VA officials are in the midst of a campaign to get as many veterans as possible vaccinated.
“We are fortunate here at the VA to be able to provide large-scale vaccinations to our veteran population which is often an underserved and actually very vulnerable population,” said Matt Garin, deputy chief of staff for patient safety and quality at Philadelphia VA Medical Center.
In Delaware, part of the rollout includes getting more health professionals to administer the doses.
Three dentists received training and vaccinated 150 people on Saturday.
“To help everyone a little bit, I think this is really what matters,” said Dr. Erik Bradley of the Dental Associates of Delaware. “It’s about giving back as much as possible and helping the state and the nation get back on its feet.”
The counties of Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia have published websites that allow you to pre-register and express your interest in getting the vaccine.
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