BAMC Site for Covid Vaccine Closes

BAMC Site for Covid Vaccine Closes

After nearly a year of operation, the Brooke Army Medical Center's COVID-19 Vaccination Site closed on Dec. 3.

Vaccination of up to 2,000 personnel and military beneficiaries per day took place at the site, which opened in February. The vaccine site was staffed by over 100 people at full capacity during peak operations.

“Standing up and providing mass vaccinations has been a monumental team effort, supported not only by BAMC personnel across the organization but by many tenant units across the installation,” said Army Col. (Dr.) Duncan Gillies, BAMC deputy chief of Preventive Medicine and officer in charge of the vaccination site. 

According to Gillies, between 150 and 250 patients were vaccinated every day at the site by about 30 personnel.

The vaccine effort was similar both stateside and overseas, and Gillies said many lessons were learned.

As a result, not only the COVID Vaccination Site at Fort Sam Houston, but numerous other sites within the Army, succeeded, he said. In order to maintain readiness, they increased protection for service members and beneficiaries to decrease the risk of infection with COVID-19.
                                                                                                                                                                                Numerous factors contributed to the closure of the vaccination site, including the wide availability of the vaccine in the community and subsequent decline in demand at the site. There was also a consolidation of resources as it prepares for the launch of the new electronic health record, MHS GENESIS, in January 2022.

At the same time, BAMC will continue to monitor infection rates for COVID and adjust operations as needed. "This site demonstrated our ability to adapt to current conditions quickly and safely," said BAMC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Clinton Murray. "We are extremely proud of the hard work and tremendous efforts of the vaccination site and leadership, and are grateful to our JBSA partners for their outstanding support.”

In the future, TRICARE beneficiaries may obtain COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses by appointment only in BAMC's Primary, Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology clinics, as well as the Trooper Medical Clinic. Patients who wish to schedule an appointment can call 210-916-9900 or by signing up for an appointment online.

Employees of the federal government who aren't beneficiaries can get the COVID vaccine through a community resource or at BAMC by appointment only; call 210-916-6551. Beneficiaries should use the appointment center (210-916-9900) or go to TRICARE Online.