Butler VA Healthcare has given 5,071 Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines and 3,716 boosters to veterans, spouses and caregivers since it opened in October 2020.

The VA last week moved its clinic to the Abie Abraham VA Outpatient center on N. Duffy Road.

The clinic opened at the VA’s New Castle Road campus to minimize the number of individuals at the outpatient clinic and to offer quick and easy access to the vaccine, according to a news release from the VA.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said in a Tuesday news release that 382,064 vaccine doses were administered in the past week in 66 counties, only not including Philadelphia county. The vaccines administered include 272,327 boosters and 22,076 pediatric doses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75.3% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated as of Monday, Jan. 24.

The VA healthcare center’s interim chief of staff, Dr. Bruce Eagleson, said the VA is encouraging veterans and their families to get the vaccine if possible.

“Research shows that the death rate is higher in the unvaccinated when compared to those who had the vaccine and a booster,” Eagleson said. “Vaccination is and will remain the cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19.”

All veterans, their spouses and caregivers, whether they are enrolled in VA health care or not, can receive the vaccine and booster as walk-ins at the center.

Spouses and surviving spouses of veterans and caregivers of veterans are eligible to receive the vaccine at the clinic free of charge. The VA defines a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a veteran, helps provide personal needs like feeding, bathing or dressing or performs tasks like shopping or driving for a veteran.

The clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday except federal holidays at 353 N. Duffy Road.

“Please get vaccinated and boosted and wear your mask,” Eagleson said.