VA hosting free drive-thru flu shots for Veterans

Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 22, 2023) - Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System will host multiple drive-thru flu shot clinics from September to October. The clinics will be held at VA locations in Fort Wayne, Marion, Muncie, Mishawaka and Peru.

 

The flu shot will be free to all VA-enrolled veterans who bring a veteran health care identification card. Veterans are asked to wear a loose-fitting, short-sleeve shirt and wear a mask.



Flu vaccinations will also be offered to veterans at every face-to-face scheduled appointment.

The schedule will be:

Fort Wayne VA campus (2121 Lake Ave.)
Saturday, Sept. 30 — 8-11 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 3 — 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 14 — 8-11 a.m.

Marion VA campus (1700 E. 38th St.)
Saturday, Oct. 14 — 8 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Oct. 17 — 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21 — 8 a.m. to noon

Jackie Walorski VA Clinic (1540 Trinity Place, Mishawaka)
Tuesday, Sept. 26 — 1-4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30 — 8-11 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 3 — 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 10 — 9 a.m. to noon

Hoosier VA Clinic (1496 W Hoosier Blvd., Peru)
Wednesday, Oct 11 — 9 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Oct. 17 — 9 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, Oct. 18 — 9 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Oct. 24 — 12:30-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 25 — 12:30-3 p.m.

Muncie VA Clinic (3401 N. Morrison Road)
Saturday, Sept. 30 — 9-11 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 4 — 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 14 — 9-11 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 18 — 4:30-6:30 p.m.

SOURCE: VA.gov/Northern-Indiana-Health-Care

Transforming lives: One eye at a time

Step into the realm of humanitarian training missions, where ophthalmology emerges as a beacon of hope in underserved areas. In July 2023, a team of 32 members from the Air Force, Army, and Navy embarked on an Ophthalmology Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE) to Regional Hospital Dr. Luis "Chicho" Fabrega in Santiago de Veraguas, Panama.

The annual joint service exercise was led by U.S. Southern Command, aimed to enhance the skills and operational readiness of team members by immersing them in a range of prevalent chronic eye conditions in the region. Over three weeks, the team conducted rapid preliminary screenings for 300 patients within just three days. Following this, they accomplished a remarkable total of 291 surgeries over the subsequent eight days, leaving an impact through nearly 750 clinic appointments.

 

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Martinez

Amidst the mission's logistics, Master Sgt. Kim Piad, the flight chief at the 59th Medical Wing Ophthalmology Clinic and the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of PANAMAX Alpha 2023, highlighted the importance of flexibility and innovation. Piad noted the dynamic nature of these surgeries, patient care, and resource management that required adaptation from their accustomed practices.

In missions like PANAMAX Alpha 2023, selecting the right personnel becomes vital, ensuring optimal outcomes within tight schedules and limited resources. U.S. Army Col. Casey Carlton, an ophthalmologist assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas and Officer in Charge of the mission, marveled at the collaboration across nations and specialties.

Operating under demanding conditions, collaborating internationally, and performing intricate surgeries with constrained resources provide a unique learning opportunity. Carlton emphasized how this environment sharpens skills in procedures like MSICS and pterygium excisions, while ensuring top-tier patient care throughout.

SOURCE: Defense Visual Information Distribution service