Hundreds of spots available for veterans vaccine clinic in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Some elderly veterans who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine say they've struggled to get an appointment.

The VA says it has clinics all across Southern Colorado that are administering the vaccine and has a clinic with 500 doses in Colorado Springs this weekend.

"We have a clinic at the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Clinic. We are actually running a clinic 5 days a week on the weekdays and occasionally on Saturdays," Andrea Rehmert with Veteran Affairs said.

Here is who the VA says is eligible to get a vaccine:

• Veterans age 70 and above
• Primary Caregivers enrolled in VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
• If a Veteran is eligible for the vaccine by age, their qualified caregiver enrolled in PCAFC is eligible as well, regardless of the PCAFC's age.
• Frontline Health Care Workers (must present Work ID)
• Frontline Essential Workers (must present Work ID)
• First responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers)
• Corrections officers
• Food and agricultural workers
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Grocery store workers, public transit workers
• Those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members)
• Childcare workers

According to federal data, nearly 6,000 Colorado veterans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine from the VA.

In Colorado Springs, the VA estimates it has vaccinated around 1,500 veterans.

There are also options for veterans who live outside of Colorado Springs.

"We also hold clinics at the Pueblo Clinic. We also are vaccinating in our outline clinics. So Lamar, La Junta, Alamosa, and Salida," Rehmert said. " We are vaccinating as many veterans as we can as fast as we can."

All veterans who are eligible under federal guidelines can get vaccinated through the VA. They are also giving doses to registered veteran caregivers who don't meet typical eligibility requirements.

With limited federal supply, VA officials encourage veterans to get the vaccine as soon as possible, even if it's not through their agency.

"If you have the opportunity to get that vaccine in another location, we want you to get that vaccine as quickly as you can," Rehmert said.

The VA says the most efficent way to secure a COVID-19 vaccine appointment is to call them at 1-888-336-8262

Editor's note: Story updated on 2/11 to reflect specific eligibility group requirements.