HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Hampton VA Medical Center is expected to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines starting Wednesday after receiving their shipment Tuesday morning.
“Just received the COVID-19 Vaccine! Very special thanks to Dr. Carl Kesgen, Chief of Pharmacy and Dr. Heather Rosati Associate Chief of Pharmacy for receiving the Moderna Vaccine with help from our favorite UPS driver Jamie Collins,” the VA shared on Facebook.
The Hampton VA is one of 128 Veterans Affairs sites receiving limited quantities of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Due to limited quantities, the VA says it will start with vaccinating health care workers, and people in their community living centers and spinal cord units.
“Receiving the vaccine is like having hope delivered. As vaccine supplies increase, our ultimate goal is to offer COVID-19 vaccination to all veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”
The VA says it will reach out to veterans to schedule vaccinations when they become available. Vaccinations will begin Wednesday.
The VA first got Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on December 14, but distribution was limited to 37 medical centers because of the need to store the Pfizer vaccine at -20 degrees Celsius. The Moderna vaccine only requires regular refrigeration.
“Having a second COVID-19 vaccine will enable us to reach more facilities and vaccinate more health care personnel and Veterans in additional parts of the country,” said VA Secretary Robert L. Wilkie. “We continue to implement our COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan and are grateful to be one step closer to seeing the end of this pandemic.”