COVID-19 Vaccine: Veterans stand up for vaccination in Philadelphia; Delaware dentists answer the call

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – With the COVID-19 vaccination, President Joe Biden wants to inflict 100 million shots in his first 100 days.

On Saturday, across from the Delaware Valley, there was a push to get those most in need, starting with veterans.

At Philadelphia VA Medical Center, veterans 75 years and older and those with chronic health conditions rolled up their sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Marine Corps veteran Ed Murray says he was initially scared of the shot, but realized the benefits outweighed the risks.

“I think it’s extremely important if you want to protect yourself, keep your community safe, keep your family safe,” Murray said.

VA officials are in the middle of a campaign to get as many veterans vaccinated as possible.

“We are very fortunate here in the VA to be able to provide large-scale vaccination for our veteran population who tend to be an underserved and actually a very vulnerable population,” said Matt Garin, deputy chief of staff for patient safety and quality at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.

In Delaware, part of the implementation includes requiring more health professionals to administer the doses.

Three dentists received training and vaccinated 150 people on Saturday.

“To help everyone, I think it’s really about this,” said Dr. Erik Bradley, one of Delaware’s dental staff, said. “It’s about giving back to the extent we can and to getting the state and the nation back on their feet.”

Provinces of Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia have published sites that allow you to pre-register and show interest in vaccination.

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