Milwaukee VA opens COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all enrolled veterans

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Mar 16, 2021 3:36 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee VA Medical Center is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all enrolled veterans, regardless of age.

Previously, the eligible group included only those 55 and older and other high-risk populations.

In addition to offering vaccines during regular hours, the VA is extending vaccine clinic hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. starting March 23.

Veterans can ask for an appointment using MyHealtheVet to secure message their health care team or by calling the COVID-19 vaccine scheduling team at 414-384-2000, ext. 44200. Vaccines are also given during previously scheduled or routine appointments at the hospitals.

The medical center says so far, they've given more than 22,500 vaccines to employees and veterans.

The VA is still calling veterans directly and sending text messages via VEText to schedule appointments. Veterans can check their VEText “opt-in” status by texting “start” to 530-79.

If a veteran has received the vaccination in the community, the VA asks them to let their health care team know as soon as possible in order to help speed up vaccinations for others who need it.