HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Thirty thousand doses of vaccine have been given to our veterans through VA clinics statewide.
Since Wednesday, the vaccine has been open to veterans of all ages. Our WZDX news reporter spoke with veterans affairs officials on the importance of the vaccine protecting those who sacrificed and served to protect us.
"I feel good. I feel good about it. I'm not prejudice at all about the vaccination," says Roy McCray, who served during the Vietnams Warm with the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division '67-'68.
McCray is now fully vaccinated from the virus. He says he received his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine two weeks ago and encourages other veterans to get their doses too.
"Why? It's better safe than sorry," says McCray.
McCray joins a group of close to 500,000 people who completed their vaccination in Alabama.
"Veterans of all ages who are eligible recipients of VA healthcare can work to get their vaccinations with us now," says Birmingham VA Health Care System's Chief Executive Officer, Stacey Vasquez.
This week the Huntsville VA Clinic received their first shipment of Johnson & Johnson doses.
Before they had only used the Pfizer vaccine.
Although vaccine is available for all veterans now, they must be eligible.
"The people who get their care at VA are eligible veterans. so, it includes people who have a service connected disability also," says Vasquez.
Veterans Affairs officials say there are eight categories for eligibility. "There's actually an online link to see if you're eligible for VA care," says Vasquez.
"I'm glad we're coming out on the other side of this and i really encourage people to make a good decision with their own healthcare providers about whether they want to get the vaccine," added Vasquez.
For eligibility, click here.