Arizona VA clinic addresses Veteran vaccine concerns

Since January 21, the Sierra Vista Community Bases Outpatient Clinic staff have been busy administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans who utilize the small southern Arizona VA Clinic.

Sierra Vista Primary Care provider Dr. Bianca Gray often talks to Veterans about their apprehensions in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

“A majority of the Veterans who I talk with during an appointment will discuss their concerns about the vaccine and a lot of them are worried about the newness of the vaccine,” she said.

A nurse at the Sierra Vista clinic prepares vaccines prior to the vaccination clinic on March 3.

She describes the data behind the vaccine and addresses the concerns her patients have. Following her explanation of the vaccine, most of her patients elect to receive it.

“A lot of Veterans will ask if I have received the vaccine and what I have experienced. They want to know that their doctor received the vaccine and did well afterwards,” she continued.

She explains that the Veterans she treats want to discuss the vaccine with their Primary Care provider in order to dispel any rumors circulating about the vaccine.

“They just want to have a conversation with their provider”

“A lot of people just want to have a conversation with their provider for peace of mind because they hear things on the news about the vaccine and they want to know if they are candidates for receiving it. They want you to look at their chart and give them the go ahead. That’s what the Veterans are looking for,” she added.

The vaccination clinic at the Sierra Vista clinic is an all-hands-on-deck process. A lot of work takes place behind the scenes to ensure the clinic runs smoothly.

“We are super excited about providing the vaccine to our Veterans,” said Jane Jones, nurse care manager. “Our entire staff is involved in the vaccine clinic, and since we are a small clinic, we use everyone for the administration of vaccines.”

“I am very fortunate to receive the vaccine”

Veterans that use the clinic are very thankful to receive the vaccine.

“Veterans are super grateful and very complimentary of our system because they don’t have to wait long,” said Jones.

Air Force Veteran Martin Moeller (pictured above) stated he got the COVID-19 vaccine because he wants to do his part in ending the pandemic.

“The entire process of getting the vaccine was very simple. The staff are very friendly and I am very fortunate to receive the vaccine,” he said.

Luke Johnson is the assistant public affairs officer for the Southern Arizona VA in Tucson, Arizona.