Hines VA Hospital now vaccinating all veterans, plus spouses and caregivers

With the passage of the SAVE LIVES Act on March 24, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital will now offer COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans, along with self-identifying spouses and caregivers, and CHAMPVA beneficiaries.

Previously, only veterans enrolled in VA health care, and qualifying spouses and caregivers were allowed vaccinations at VA facilities.

"With the expansion the SAVE LIVES Act affords us, Hines can further its goal of vaccinating as many members of our community as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19," said James Doelling, Hines VA Hospital Director.

Veterans not enrolled in VA health care, along with their spouses and caregivers, can be vaccinated on a walk-in basis at Hines VA Hospital, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hines' six Community-Based Outreach Clinics will accept walk-ins from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enrolled veterans can schedule ahead by calling Hines VA's appointment line.

"Our goal for you is to be protected from COVID-19, and we encourage you to take the first opportunity to get a vaccinated at your most convenient location," said Lorry Luscri, Hines VA COVID-19 vaccine coordinator.

To learn more about Hines VA's SAVE LIVES Act response, visit www.hines.va.gov/pressreleases/SaveLivesAct.asp

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, located 12 miles west of downtown Chicago on a 147-acre campus, offers primary, extended and specialty care to veteran patients in the Chicago area. We are the largest VA in the state of Illinois, where more than a million veterans reside. The hospital treats more than 48,000 veterans from World War II through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.