On Saturday, the VA Vaccine Vaccine Clinic for Veterans at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center had veterans in line hours before the 8 am start time.
Vaccination could not come soon for some veterans, including John Hamilton, who isolated himself to avoid contracting the virus.
“I have been in my apartment for almost a year,” said Hamilton. “(I have) just walking the dog more than anything else.”
According to the VA, the weekend outpatient clinic is exclusively for veterans aged 75 and over, and to receive the vaccine here, they need to be enrolled to receive care at the Houston VAMC or one of the community-based outpatient clinics.
“Those who wish to be vaccinated must bring identification, wear a mask to enter the facility, maintain social distance and not be sick, including any symptoms of COVID-19, such as a cough or fever,” wrote the VA 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 in VA. Last weekend’s clinic was so popular that administrators decided to continue this weekend. The VA has given vaccinations during the week by appointment and has given about 10,000 injections so far.
There was no need to schedule for Saturday’s clinic, which would remain open until vaccination limits were reached.
The Houston 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. Extreme cold storage is necessary for the vaccine, which must be maintained 94 degrees below zero before it is administered.
Veterans can also call 713-794-8985 to make an appointment to receive the vaccine during the week, according to the VA.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is located on the first floor of the medical center on 2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Follow Mycah Hatfield on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.