In the same week the state opened COVID-19 vaccinations to those with underlying health conditions, the Durham VA Healthcare System announced it’s going even further.
The Durham VA has opened vaccine appointmentsto all enrolled veterans, regardless of age, health status or job description. The system provides care to nearly 60,000 veterans from central North Carolina to the Morehead City area. In a press release issued Wednesday, the health care system said it has 1,400 doses available.
Dr. Christopher Hostler, the chief of Public Health and Epidemiology at the Durham VA, says it’s been administering vaccinations at "breakneck speed," already getting 37% of veterans enrolled for care in its coverage area at least one dose.
"We're already kind of ahead of the game, and I think that's enabled us to be able to open it up," said Hostler.
Weekday appointment slots are available at the Durham VA Medical Center and the Greenville Health Care Center. The Durham VA Medical Center will also run a one-day clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 20.
Veterans should call 919-286-0411, then “0” to schedule an appointment.
State officials, meanwhile, have said they hope to open vaccinations to all adults by the beginning of May.
WUNC's Laura Pellicer contributed to this report.