VA hospital vaccine process a shambles

I am a disabled veteran, over 65 with underlying conditions, and I have used New Mexico Veterans Administration clinics and the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center frequently for a few years. Historically and consistently, I have been very happy with my treatments — the staff is superbly skilled and caring, my waits for care are very reasonable, the web-based system to communicate with the VA is easy and quick, and the pharmacy is responsive.

I signed up for the COVID vaccine with the VA and, based upon my past experience, I expected that I would receive my vaccine from them in a timely matter, and through an organized and efficient process.

Yesterday, I received an email from “New Mexico VA Health System” stating that, “We are offering COVID-19 vaccination by appointment only to select high-risk Veterans.” Within was guidance to call two telephone extensions. I did call, frequently, over two days, and for 30 minutes or more at a time. The two lines each appear to lack a call-waiting queue. The line rang one time — or rang for many times with no answer until the call was dropped.

The VA COVID vaccination call-in process does not work. I am frustrated and frankly disappointed. When I fail to connect, you fail.

To the director, I suggest that you consider one or a combination of the following: contact us via email or phone to start the appointment process; add more staff and and improve the phone process; and/or triage “us” by using our social security numbers and our risk factors (you have all the information you need in your databases).

Please fix your COVID appointment process!

E.J. JOHNSON SANTA FE