VA today announced a preliminary plan for distributing the COVID-19 vaccinations it will implement once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues an emergency use authorization for a vaccine.
VA has worked in close coordination with the Centers and Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Operation Warp Speed to plan for COVID-19 vaccination of VA staff and Veterans.
VA will first provide vaccinations to front-line VA health care workers and Veterans residing in long-term care units in 37 of its medical centers across the country.
The centers, listed below, were chosen for their ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures.
Health care workers will be among the first to receive vaccinations because they are at high risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19 to other staff members and patients, and their health is critical to ensuring the continued care of Veterans.
Veterans in VA’s long-term care facilities will be the first patient group to be vaccinated. As vaccine supplies increase, additional Veterans will receive vaccinations based on factors such as age, existing health problems and other considerations that increase the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19.
VA anticipates a limited vaccine supply immediately after FDA’s approval, but expects more supplies to be available in short order.
“VA is well prepared and positioned to begin COVID-19 vaccinations,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Our ultimate goal is to offer it to all Veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”
The 37 VA sites chosen for initial distribution of the vaccine will closely monitor patients and staff for side effects and log this information in its vaccine monitoring and tracking system. This is the same system VA uses to monitor reactions to all vaccines, including those for the flu and shingles.
VA will report directly to the CDC its data on all vaccine doses administered by VA. The department will also provide general, public updates on the number of people who receive the vaccination at these sites, similar to how VA posts COVID-19 testing figures.
The 37 VA sites are spread throughout the country and include:
Birmingham (AL) VA Health Care System
Phoenix (AZ) VA Health Care System
West Los Angeles (CA) VA Health Care System
Palo Alto (CA) VA Health Care System
Eastern Colorado (CO) VA Health Care System
Connecticut (West Haven Campus) VA Health Care System
Washington DC VA Health Care System
Orlando (FL) VA Health Care System
Augusta (GA) VA Health Care System
Edward J. Hines Jr. VA Hospital (IL)
Lexington (KY) VA Health Care System
Southeast Louisiana (New Orleans) VA Health Care System
Maryland (Baltimore) VA Health Care System
Bedford (MA) VA Health Care System
Ann Arbor (MI) VA Health Care System
Minneapolis (MN) VA Health Care System
Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital (Columbia MO)
St. Louis (MO) VA Health Care System
Omaha (NE) VA Health Care System
Southern Nevada (North Las Vegas) VA Health Care System
Raymond G. Murphy (NM) VA Health Care System
New York Harbor (Brooklyn) VA Health Care System
Western New York (Buffalo) VA Health Care System
Durham (NC) VA Health Care System
Cleveland (OH) VA Health Care System
Oklahoma City (OK) VA Health Care System
Portland (OR) VA Health Care System
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (Philadelphia PA)
Pittsburgh (PA) VA Health Care System
Caribbean (Puerto Rico) VA Health Care System
Memphis (TN) VA Health Care System
Dallas (TX) VA Medical Center
Michael E. DeBakey VA Health Care System (Houston TX)
Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital (San Antonio TX)
Richmond (VA) VA Health Care System
Puget Sound (WA) VA Health Care System
Milwaukee (WI) VA Health Care System
Veterans seeking additional information should visit the VA Coronavirus Vaccine FAQs webpage, contact their care team, or visit their facility website.
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I hope I am contacted when I am able to receive the vaccine.
It appears the rural community vets regardless of medical condition will be at the end of the line. I didn’t see one remote clinic mentioned about receiving any vaccine.
what about SALT LAKE CITY and OREM, PROVO,UTAH
As soon as I can get the vaccine I will. Thanks
Why not Virginia? We have a very high number of vets in the Hampton Roads area!
I hope to be informed when the vaccine is distributed in CT.
Is this semi optional? As in…I think I’ve already had it(and I’m under 45), and willing to wait for other high risk/older folks to get it first so we don’t run out or have supply issues.
do you really think someone is going to reply?
[Editor: These are the initial batches. The blog copy above answers why these sites were chosen. In time, the list will expand.]
When will the Covid 19 vaccine be at the SanDiego V.A. be available for patiants 65 or older ?
76year vet with cancer on oxygen at home will be notified when to get shot
So then what happens to those of us who’s VA isn’t listed but have preexisting conditions? Where do we fit in?
Wondering why Caribbean (Puerto Rico) VA Health Care System before all the states VA facilities get theirs? For instance Iowa. I see some states get more than one too.
Thanks
Department of Iowa VFW Auxiliary President
Sandy Weldon
The listing was in alphabetical order. ROFL
The centers, listed below, were chosen for their ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures.
Probably because VA Caribbean met both requirements, by the way this center treat US veterans either the same rights than other veterans. Be blessed and happy holidays.
LTC (ret) Adalberto Fernández
LTC (ret) Adalberto Fernández I understand VA Caribbean treats US Veterans. I was frustrated to see not all states were sent the vaccine. Bu tI guess it is because they have no way to store it, so my Veteran husband may have to go elsewhere to receive it. He does have a compromising illness. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you.
I appreciate your preparedness in delivering this much needed vaccine. I a veteran of the Vietnam war with heart issues and Diabetes. I wish to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Please keep my name in mind after health care providers, those in your care facilities are provided for.
Will the VA contact eligible individual recipients to “come & get it,” or will Vets have to contact the local VA facility to find out how and when to go get it?
What about the old Vets that have stay at home health care? Is this based on age? Since you must be 75 to be in a VA elder care unit?
Why is Va Maine Health Care System Augusta Maine not included in 1st group of VA Facilities to receive the vaccine?
about long beach ca
Why isn’t VAMC in Cincinnati, OH included in the 1st group VA facilities to receive the vaccine?