The U.S. Army health center at Caserma Ederle in Italy has begun a walk-in clinic for respiratory care and restarted a maternity care class, among other recent additions. (Stars and Stripes)

AVIANO, Italy — The Army clinic at Vicenza’s Caserma Ederle is adding health services and a new center that will provide help with insurance and benefits.

Through March 8, people seeking acute respiratory care can be seen on a walk-in basis, according to an Army statement. They also will receive treatment plans and, if necessary, authorization notes for the children once they’re cleared to return to school. The walk-in service will be available from 8-10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Walk-in patients also can get a COVID-19 shot. On Thursdays between 8 and 11 a.m., the Pfizer vaccine will be accessible for eligible beneficiaries 6 months of age and older, the statement said.

Meanwhile, an orientation program for expectant mothers is resuming after it was shut down during the coronavirus pandemic. The program addresses topics such as nutrition and postpartum care from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

The Army in Italy closed its maternity ward in 2014 and Aviano Air Base ended those services in 2017. Most women affiliated with the U.S. military in Vicenza use San Bartolo Hospital for obstetrics.

In the near future, the clinic plans to establish a patient service center, which the Army says will allow for improved access to beneficiary counselors, patient advocates and a Tricare representative, among others.

Ideally, the center will be established by the end of February, clinic commander Col. Michele Kehrle said in the statement. She said the goal is for it to be running well in advance of the summer, which is the height of the moving season for military personnel and their families.