On Saturday, the Houston VA Veteran Walk-in Vaccine Clinic at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center had veterans in line hours before the 8 p.m. start time.
The vaccinations couldn’t come soon enough for some veterans, including John Hamilton, who isolated himself to avoid contracting the virus.
“It’s been almost a year since I’ve been to my apartment,” said Hamilton. “(I) just walked the dog, more than anything.”
According to the VA, the walk-in clinic is exclusive to veterans 75 and older on the weekends, and to get the vaccine here, they must be enrolled to receive care at the Houston VAMC or one of the local outpatient clinics.
“Those who wish to be vaccinated must bring ID, wear a mask to enter the facility, keep social distance and not be sick, including COVID-19 symptoms 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 in any case the second event at the VA. Last weekend’s clinic was so popular that administrators decided to continue this weekend. The VA has vaccinated by appointment during the week and has performed about 10,000 injections so far.
No appointments were required 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 freezer on site, officials said. The extremely 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 for a vaccination during the week, according to the VA.
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is located on the first floor of the medical center on Holcombe Blvd.
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