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Veterans get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at 'Tut' Fann State Home

A number of the home’s 92 veterans and some staff got their first dose of the vaccine during the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala — Under Phase 1 of Alabama‘s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are top of the list to get their shots. Thursday, that became a reality for those at Tut Fann state veterans home in Huntsville.

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We met with Belinda Schrimsher, Administrator at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home. She says, “It went wonderfully. The veterans were all excited because they can see the light at the end of the tunnel where they can actually see the point of time where they can see their families, touch their families, things like that.”

A number of the home’s 92 veterans and some staff got their first dose of the vaccine during the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Schrimsher says, “We couldn’t get everybody today. Our primary focus was the veterans.” 

We’re told the remaining staff and residents will be vaccinated at upcoming clinics. But, those who did get the shot are looking forward to a brighter future and seeing loved ones. Schrimsher explains, “It’s very hard for them to do a window visit because a lot of them are hard of hearing and they can’t see very well. It’s hard, mentally hard on these veterans.” She adds, "All they’ve seen for the past nine months is just the inside of this building. So, for many of them, it’s an exciting time.”

There was a lot of work done to prepare once the state and the Alabama Department of Veteran’s Affairs announced vaccines would be given out. Schrimsher tells our reporter, “When we first got the notice that we were going to set up a clinic, the Walgreens representative and I got together and decided what day. Then I sent out all these permission forms to all the families to get their permission to give their vaccine. Just about all of them wanted the vaccine, which is great.” 

Tut Fann had a number of employees and residents test positive for coronavirus, some of those people have died during the pandemic. And concerns rose after anonymous complaints from employees concerning COVID protocols reached the public. 

RELATED: Tut Fann Veterans Home responds to anonymous staff complaints as COVID-19 cases rise

We asked what the home looks forward to in the future. 

Schrimsher tells our reporter, “Moving forward, I want to see the families and our visitors back in the building. It has been lonesome without them.”

We’re told at least two more clinics will be held, probably in mid to late January, to give second doses of the vaccine and vaccinate those who weren’t able to get their shots on Thursday.

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