By Mikaela Cade, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Public Affairs
FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center will relocate its COVID-19 vaccination clinic from the main hospital to Abrams Gym Monday, Feb. 8. Abrams gym will open at 8 a.m. Monday for eligible DOD beneficiaries to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beneficiaries will be able to obtain their first and second dose of the vaccine at the new location.
CRDAMC is currently offering the vaccine to DOD beneficiaries eligible for Phase 1A, 1B, and 1C. These categories include health care and front line workers, deploying Soldiers, essential workers, and beneficiaries 16 years and older with an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
“Our aim is to provide the vaccine as safely and efficiently as possible to eligible beneficiaries,” said Maj. Lance Freeman, Abrams Gym vaccination site officer-in-charge. “We’ve rehearsed the set-up and will be ready to go Monday.”
The team has planned and prepared to administer the vaccine safely and efficiently in different situations. The site is equipped with everything from anaphylactic kits to automated external defibrillators. Beneficiaries can also expect to see road guards and ground barriers to help with traffic flow and parking.
“Moving from the hospital to the gym requires a little more detailed planning,” said Master Sgt. Tara Taylor, the Abrams vaccine site noncommission officer-in-charge. “We’ve got the right equipment and right people, and we’re prepared for emergencies. This is a community effort, and the teams from the hospital and other units have been instrumental in getting this vaccination site stood up.”
Freeman and Taylor agree they are ready to launch the new site.
When asked what beneficiaries can do to help keep wait times down to a minimum, they both agreed that filling out the paperwork beforehand will help keep things running smoothly.
DoD beneficiaries can download and complete the DHA from 207 as well as other vaccine information from the CRDAMC website homepage at darnall.tricare.mil
Abrams Gym, building 23001, is located on 62nd Street. The site will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. The vaccine site is closed on weekends and Federal holidays. Beneficiaries should bring a valid DOD ID card and are encouraged to complete DHA form 207 before they get to the gym.
The vaccine operation site at the main hospital will shut down Friday, February 5 at 4 p.m.
