MISSOULA, Mont. – Montana VA clinics are emphasizing preventative health for veterans this flu season. Throughout the state, yesterday's walk-in clinics offered flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for veterans.
However, anyone who missed the event can still get vaccinated. Veterans must be enrolled in Montana VA services to access these clinics. Laura Wheeler, the assistant nurse manager at the David J.
Thatcher VA Clinic in Missoula, shared more about their efforts. “That's why we do what we do, right? We're here for the veterans. That's why I have a job.
That's why my co-workers have a job. That's why we exist..
. is to serve our veterans,” Wheeler said. Wheeler highlighted the importance of offering these vaccines, especially given the delicate health conditions many veterans face due to their service.
“We all know that a veteran's health can be very, very delicate, being that what they were exposed to when they were overseas, active duty, and we don't want any other complications to further their disease processes. So, if we can help that by promoting the flu vaccine and or the COVID vaccine, we're more than willing to do that,” Wheeler added. Even though yesterday marked a special walk-in clinic day, Wheeler mentioned that veterans can still come to the clinic for flu shots anytime.
Behavioral services were also available during the event as part of the Montana VA team's comprehensive healthcare approach. The clinic in Missoula will continue to offer flu vaccinations .