VA Secretary visits American Legion COVID-19 vaccine clinic
VA Secretary Denis McDonough visits vaccine clinic in Montgomery, Ala., hosted by The American Legion Department of Alabama. (Photo by Nystasha Kelly/American Legion)

VA Secretary visits American Legion COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough joined The American Legion on June 17 at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic during the Department of Alabama’s annual convention in Montgomery.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 317 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the United States from Dec. 14, 2020, through June 21. Officials continue to recommend all those who are eligible receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

During The American Legion’s annual Washington Conference in March 2021, VA officials asked The American Legion to assist with the department’s efforts to get every American vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. The department said that vaccine acceptance was one of the factors preventing people from getting vaccinated. Since then, American Legion posts across the country have stepped up to get veterans and their communities vaccinated. Legionnaires and posts have worked with VA to host vaccine clinics, informational sessions and to provide necessities such as transportation to vaccination sites. 

Earlier this year, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford encouraged members to get a vaccine.

"Just like when we were in the service, we used various forms of protections to keep ourselves — and our battle buddies — safe from harm," Oxford said in a PSA. "Against this invisible enemy, the vaccines are the best protection available. And getting a vaccine is not just for ourselves. It’s for all of our battle buddies in this fight. Our spouses. Our children. Our grandchildren. Our friends. Our Legion Family. Our neighbors. All Americans."

Veterans wanting to stay informed on getting COVID-19 vaccines through VA can get the latest information from VA on the latest information on the vaccinations by clicking  here.