The COVID-19 vaccine supply chain issue has been a problem across the board, but it’s an even bigger issue for some veterans who say they desperately need it. Glenn Thayor, 75, is a Vietnam War veteran who says he’s frustrated with the distribution process. “I put my life on the line. I could have been called up any time and died for my country and I would have, and I think that gives me a little priority in this country,” said Thayor. Thayor is dealing with a handful of medical issues, including type two diabetes, and believes veterans should have been prioritized in the phased plan Gov. Ron DeSantis put out, instead of just anyone over the age of 65.“I tend to agree with that,” said former Palm Beach County commissioner Hal Valeche. Valeche is also a veteran and says he would like to see more done. “I think the VA itself should be getting a large allocation of these vaccines,” he added.Meanwhile, over at the VA in West Palm Beach, Thayor says getting an appointment has been a difficult task and he hasn’t received many answers as to why.“I was at the VA hospital the other day to see my urologist, and I talked to her she didn’t know anything about where or when we would be able to get the shot,” he said.In a statement, a spokesperson with the VA in West Palm Beach wrote in part, “We have had an overwhelming response to the COVID-19 Vaccine offering and are working diligently to schedule Vaccine appointments as quickly as possible.” They also explain that supplies are limited as they wait for additional doses to come in.Vaccine allocations come from the Veterans Health Administration, not the state.Currently appointments are being taken for the following:VA Enrolled Veterans aged 75 and older VA Community Living Center Residents VA Congregate Living Residents VA Homeless Veterans, Hemodialysis patients, Solid Organ Transplant patients or patients who are listed for transplant, and Chemotherapy patients (receiving chemotherapy in a clinic/hospital setting) of any ageWe reached out to Gov. DeSantis’ office and received this response: “Governor DeSantis recognizes and appreciates the selfless service and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have services in our nation’s military, many of whom are above the age of 65 and eligible to receive the vaccine. Since day one of the public health emergency, Governor DeSantis has been singularly focused on protecting those most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which includes Florida’s more than 4.5 million senior citizens. The Governor understands that vaccinating Floridians 65 and older is not only the right thing to do, but also the most effective tool we have to battle the pandemic and help reduce the mortality rate.”
The COVID-19 vaccine supply chain issue has been a problem across the board, but it’s an even bigger issue for some veterans who say they desperately need it.
Glenn Thayor, 75, is a Vietnam War veteran who says he’s frustrated with the distribution process.
“I put my life on the line. I could have been called up any time and died for my country and I would have, and I think that gives me a little priority in this country,” said Thayor.
Thayor is dealing with a handful of medical issues, including type two diabetes, and believes veterans should have been prioritized in the phased plan Gov. Ron DeSantis put out, instead of just anyone over the age of 65.
“I tend to agree with that,” said former Palm Beach County commissioner Hal Valeche.
Valeche is also a veteran and says he would like to see more done.
“I think the VA itself should be getting a large allocation of these vaccines,” he added.
Meanwhile, over at the VA in West Palm Beach, Thayor says getting an appointment has been a difficult task and he hasn’t received many answers as to why.
“I was at the VA hospital the other day to see my urologist, and I talked to her she didn’t know anything about where or when we would be able to get the shot,” he said.
In a statement, a spokesperson with the VA in West Palm Beach wrote in part, “We have had an overwhelming response to the COVID-19 Vaccine offering and are working diligently to schedule Vaccine appointments as quickly as possible.”
They also explain that supplies are limited as they wait for additional doses to come in.
Vaccine allocations come from the Veterans Health Administration, not the state.
Currently appointments are being taken for the following:
- VA Enrolled Veterans aged 75 and older
- VA Community Living Center Residents
- VA Congregate Living Residents
- VA Homeless Veterans, Hemodialysis patients, Solid Organ Transplant patients or patients who are listed for transplant, and Chemotherapy patients (receiving chemotherapy in a clinic/hospital setting) of any age
We reached out to Gov. DeSantis’ office and received this response: “Governor DeSantis recognizes and appreciates the selfless service and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have services in our nation’s military, many of whom are above the age of 65 and eligible to receive the vaccine. Since day one of the public health emergency, Governor DeSantis has been singularly focused on protecting those most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which includes Florida’s more than 4.5 million senior citizens. The Governor understands that vaccinating Floridians 65 and older is not only the right thing to do, but also the most effective tool we have to battle the pandemic and help reduce the mortality rate.”
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