Hines VA Hospital reaches vaccine milestone

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital reached a major milestone April 17, distributing its 50,000th COVID-19 vaccine.

"It would be pretty cool if I was number 50,000," said Army veteran Douglas Miller. "I just had my birthday, so it would be like a double celebration, but, really, I'm just happy being vaccinated."

For Miller, the choice to become vaccinated was easy but important.

"I decided to get vaccinated to stay safe and stay healthy for my family and myself," Miller said. "I feel like it's the right thing to do. I feel like people need to protect their community."

Miller is not alone. Initially offering vaccines to only first responders and high-risk Veterans, Hines rapidly expanded its eligibility. Now, 53 percent of veterans receiving health care at Hines have received at least one dose either through Hines, its six outpatient clinics, or its homeless and homebound care outreach programs.

Recently, through the SAVE LIVES Act, Hines began offering vaccines to all Veterans, regardless of VA health care enrollment or discharge type, as well as spouses and caregivers.

"My husband just called up and asked if I could come in," Martina Zamora said after receiving her first shot, "It's been nice. I was surprised it was so fast. I've only been here 30 minutes.

While patients are pleased with the efficiency, many are also eager about what community vaccination could mean and why it's essential.

"It's been a long year," Miller said. "It's time to get back to whatever new normal we're looking for and getting vaccinated is really the quickest way to get to it."

"It's a life-saving vaccine. Why take the chance? Get here, get your vaccination," said Eddie Harris, an Army veteran receiving his second dose. Adding, "I saw the sickness and deaths, so I knew it has to be done for the good of the country."

Many people are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine because of what they've heard or read online. However, according to Lena Huang, a pharmacist at the vaccination site, the vaccines offered are safe, and minor side effects, such as a sore arm for a few days, are far outweighed by the risks associated with COVID-19.

"A lot of people are scared of side effects," Huang noted, "but the side effects are usually very minor and pass quickly. It's important to get vaccinated with whatever vaccine is offered, whether it be Pfizer or Moderna."

"Vaccination is a safe and effective tool against COVID-19," said James Doelling, hospital director. "We reached an incredible milestone today, but we can't stop with 50,000. We need to keep growing that number if we're going to beat this."

Finished with his second Pfizer vaccination, Miller agreed, "We're all in this together."

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can schedule their COVID-19 Vaccination appointments by calling (708) 202-2707 or (708) 202-7000.

Veterans not enrolled in VA health care, spouses and caregivers can go to www.va.gov/covid-19-vaccine to request an appointment.

A Hines VA representative will receive the request and call to schedule an appointment based on vaccine availability.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine and facebook.com/HinesVAHospital.