Columbia VAHCS Vaccine Clinic Hosts Inaugural Spring Fling Vaccination Event

The event, held at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, resulted in 41 Veterans receiving either their initial COVID-19 vaccinations, or a booster, more than double the typical daily vaccination rate. With the support of dedicated healthcare professional, the clinic efficiently administered vaccinations throughout the day, ensuring a seamless and organized experience for everyone involved.

Dr. David Omura, the Director/CEO of Columbia VAHCS, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, "Fortunately we are in much better shape today than we were a year ago, however the need to get vaccinated is still very important.  I am proud of the great work being done by the Columbia VA team.”

Army Veteran Leroy Glisson, who received his COVID-19 booster at the event, shared his gratitude, saying events like this, "Provide Veterans with information on services they may not know are available to them.” He added that the event was convenient, and the staff was incredibly professional and friendly.

"We saw a need to reach more Veterans, especially with the CDC’s latest recommendations for a second bivalent COVID-19 booster for individuals 65 and older and those who are immunocompromised," said Sonia Martinez, a registered nurse in the vaccine clinic, speaking on the importance of the event. "Many Veterans were unaware of their eligibility to receive another booster. Hosting the Spring Fling event allowed us to reach and vaccinate many who otherwise would have experienced a delay of getting the booster to protect them against COVID."

The Columbia VAHCS continues its commitment to providing vaccinations to the local Veteran community. Veterans who missed the event are encouraged to contact the clinic to schedule their vaccination appointment. The Columbia VAHCS remains dedicated to supporting public health initiatives and ensuring the well-being of Veterans and the community.

For more information about what’s going on at the Veterans medical center, clinic locations and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.

Wyatt Anthony, Public Affairs Specialist