VA is listening to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and this blog series answers your questions. Want to ask a question? Leave your comment below.
I’ve heard about a new “Delta variant” of the virus that causes COVID-19. Is it dangerous?
The Delta variant is a mutation of the virus that causes COVID-19. This variant spreads more easily and more quickly than others. It already has had a severe impact in other countries, such as India. Over the past month, the Delta variant has rapidly spread and expanded in the U.S. It could soon become the dominant virus strain.
The good news is that the COVID-19 vaccines currently in use in the U.S. offer good protection against the COVID-19 variants we know most about. COVID-19 vaccines have shown excellent effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations and death. This includes the Delta strain.
The Delta variant most severely impacts those people not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes people who only received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.
How can I protect myself against the Delta variant?
You can best protect yourself against the Delta variant by becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are continuing to study the Delta variant. They have concluded that COVID-19 vaccines offer good protection against COVID-19 variants.
Those who receive two-dose vaccines will be fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive their second dose. Two-dose vaccines include the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Those who receive single-dose vaccines like Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine will be fully vaccinated two weeks after their dose.
VA will provide the second doses to employees, Veterans or anyone who qualifies under the Save Lives Act–such as spouses and caregivers– no matter where they received their first dose, if that is more convenient.
Will other variants like the Delta variant continue to spread in the future?
Viruses such as the Delta variant continue to mutate and spread as long as they have the ability to do so. The most effective means of slowing and stopping the spread of these variants is vaccination. When a large percentage of a community is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the virus will not be able to spread within it. This will also serve to decrease the development of new variants. Fully vaccinated people protect both themselves and their community against COVID-19 and similar variants.
Learn more
If you are undecided about getting the vaccine and need more information to make a decision, check out our Vaccine Questions page. The page includes videos, downloadable information and frequently asked questions.
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Are we getting the WHOLE truth about the Delta variant? And all the other variants out there? Got both shots of the Maderna from the VA several months ago and now I’m told the mask and prior precautions are back on. That’s not the look of a win.
But what about the the Covid-Delta from India, the Covid-Epsilon from California, the Covid-Lambda from Peru, and the Covid-Gamma from French Guiana, the Covid-Alpha from the United Kingdom, and the Covid-Beta from South Africa? Will the Gain of Function SPIKE PROTEIN Gene Therapy Jabs provide 100% protection from all of them? Or will the Jabs only provide protection by percentages depending on which “variant” you have?
VALJ Medical Staff topnotch, beurocratic staff hit and miss
A vaccine sceptic said something today that I would like to counter with an answer. She works in the medical field and has not been vaccinated. Her comment was: given the varied locations where the delta variant is being reported-a doctors office,a small family physician; a rural area—-, how is it determined that the person actually has the delta variant? She went on to say that in many locations there would not be the testing capability to know if it is the variant. I’d welcome your response.
Has anyone heard of getting a body rash after getting the Maderna vaccine? (6-7 months post vaccinations) itching that nothing seems to help relieve. The doctor cannot diagnose. Going to get allergy testing etc etc. someone suggested contacting the CDC. I’m not sure who to contact. Suggestions?
Hello. Just read your dilemma. I have a problem with Tinnitus after the second Pfizer vaccine. My suggestions: Fill out a VAERS report on line with the CDC. You will get a Report Number and hopefully they will contact you with updated information. They have not contacted me yet, but I am still hopeful. You will have a report number and you can keep calling them for a status update. The phone number I have for them (CDC VARES Report) is: 1-800-822-7967-you may need to recheck this. In addition, I suggest you contact your cities Health Department. They should have some information for you as well as other computer links that may help. Frankly, I seem to think they are just logging in our information and we become nothing more than a statistic. I hope I am wrong and there is help for many of us. It is hard to find information about side effect and treatments for these vaccines. Our doctors just seem to shrug their shoulders. That is no help for us. Sorry to hear about your terrible side effects. Hope you get well soon. Walter R.
If it is safe for a 12 year old boy to get vaccinated for Covid? What are the possible long term side affects. What are the pros and cons of him getting the vaccination? Is it possible for him to be sterile?
Question: how long will the current vaccines last? (the three that are used widely in USA)
very good article series, thank you for the info.
ps- kudos to Baltimore VA system. Great care in Baltimore & Perry Point VA.
Greetings Sir Ma’am
I’ve been fully vaccinated since earlier this year. I’m relieved to be protected now.
I thank the administration’s of 2 Presidents for getting this vaccine to Americans.
1. Will we need an annual booster shot, or more specifically a NEW formula version as a booster?
2. How long currently is the expected time life of these Pfizer 2 dose shots?
3. What kind of US stockpile of this now the 1 Vaccine we have from 3 different manufacturers being stored? Are we even doing this?
4. Where do Americans go to get some type of booster, if ALL the current stockpile we now are diverting to other Countries is gone?
Stay protected and be prepared. This isn’t over yet. God Bless All.
I received the 2nd Pfizer Vaccine on Mar 30 2021. Developed bad tinnitus Apr 8, 2021. I understand others have also developed this condition as well. What is the correlation? why wasn’t this briefed to us? and is this temporary or permanent? Is there anything we can do to reduce and or manage this condition? Thank you
For those who are disabled and can’t work, there will be no mandatory vaccines of any kind, at least not in this Country. Tell you another thing, let’s stop pretending these viruses are anyone’s fault, because they’re not. It isn’t easy putting something into the body that we never heard of before, and not approved by the FDA, but only in use for emergency only. It’s very uncommon today for anyone to use common sense, but it’s actually psychological. Everyone has that fight or flight in them that comes from fear, and fear is a good thing that we all have, it protects us from the unknown too. Unknown if something has the potential to harm us or our family. The ONLY way to get everyone vaccinated is to reassure our people that it’s safe and we aren’t gonna die from the jab. Period. As Americans, we require 109% proof or nothing. It’s just how we roll. So to the CDC, I’d say convince everyone without a shadow of a doubt that the vaccines won’t hurt us or our family 100%, and hurry up! Move with a purpose!
I didn’t read every comment to see if anyone already mentioned this, but I’m 68 years old and got Covid in February 2021. I only had mild symptoms and since I’m writing this now, obviously I survived just like millions of others, which should mean we have antibodies and natural immunity, but I barely hear any discussion or even mention about it, except for occasionally someone ask if people who’ve already had the virus should still get vaccinated, because it will further boost our immunity, but I’ve never heard it said with any supporting evidence, science, or facts.
Are you sure it wasn’t just the Flu? Or are you sure it was the “Covid” because the government entities and its mouthpieces are proclaiming “Covid” 24/7 day in and day out, so it must be the “Covid”? BTW, I have been personally exposed to 17 PCR Tested Positive for the “Covid” people, that I know of, the past 18 months. Haven’t had so much as the sniffles. Of those 17, 13 didn’t know they had it until the government compelled them to get tested, and 4 had… OMG! I have the sniffles, so I better get tested!
I’m a 100% p&t vet working overseas. When will the state department and VA get the shots to vets and taxpayers overseas? How did China get me two shots before the government I risked my life for could? What am I even paying taxes for? The Chinese embassy is jabbing all its citizens at their embassy. I guess the US embassy is too busy selling pizza and ice cream franchise.
Are you still moderating?
Are you still moderating?
Still moderating?
Yes my comment is still awaiting moderation. I guess the 1st Amendment doesn’t apply to the VA.
The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution reads:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Last I checked, the VA wasn’t Congress.
there is talk of a vaccine combo for both the flu and covid. how come they plan to put two disease together when both were in a separate vaccine because of health issues?
Lmao
I heard nearly everyone in the hospital or dying from COVID aren’t vaccinated……..
Like, duh get your vaccine…….
RE: DELTA VARIANT: A portion of the really smart people say even tho you have gotten tho required shots and are supposedly protected still wear a mask and maintain distance etc., BUT a portion of the really smart people say party and play WHAT say you !!
I have been exposed to, personally, 17 PCR tested positive people, that I know of, without acquiring any symptoms, not even the sniffles, since the pandemic. The last one was 3 months ago. This doesn’t include family members who have also been exposed to PCR tested positive people, of which we have all been exposed to each other, without any symptoms, not even the sniffles.
Do I still need the Spike Protein Jab?
Polymerese chain reaction (PCR) testing has been notorious from the get-go in generating false positives. The inventor of the test even stated as much at the outset of this hysteria. PCR testing is based on the SARS COVID 2003 variant. Most of the global population has been exposed to that strain by now and surprise! People test positive for it.
Someone should address the immunity factor for us how have had Covid followed by the antibody infusion to combat the virus. We still have some of the long covid symptoms but otherwise feel great. We should be issued a card stating the fact we had the infusion and stop hounding us for the shots. The National Institution of Health (NIH) claims we are immune for up to 2 years. What say you?
This series has been really nice. I send them all to my family members and people I worked with. I learn a lot.
No one is immune to the Delta virus. The vaccinations offer some protection but not very much efficacy toward the Delta.
Can you cite your source for this please?
I got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine three months ago.
Can I safely get two doses of the Moderna vaccine for extra protection?
Thanks for the info….. I’ll spread the word on the Delta variant !!!
Have they fixed the problem with blood clotting with the Jennesen shots? My doctor told me no one gives that now. But I see that is what the VA is giving. I’ve already had one hat attack i don’t need a blood clot and cause another one.
I this virous really real or,it’s a gimmick to force people to get shots.India and those places their vaccine and Chinas fail.
I have a bad heart and I can’t take it but I remember in this thick booklet I recieved when President Obama was in office and I still have it,it mention of the new world order and thinning out population interseting,but,it’s a theory.
Michael, The blood clot issue is extremely rare and so far has only affected 6-8 people (depending on what source you read). That’s out of about 34 million folks who have received the J&J vaccine, including myself. You really have nothing to worry about.
LMAO
I would like to know what happens when everyone is vaccinated, what happens to the virus ?
Is it still lingering in the air ? Do it vanish from the atmosphere ? Or where does it go ?
Will it still be out there in the air.
You are our heroes! Thank you for your service to us! It takes all of us to make a great nation. May God bless us in our endeavors to make this nation strong and wise.
1). My 6 year old daughter has already tested positive for COVID back in April. Is she still at risk for the new Delta variant?
2). Will there be a vaccine available for 6 year olds anytime soon?
What are the 4 tiers of the shots I’ve heard about? And what criteria is used to determine who gets which tier??
Natural biology proves there will always be some type of virus variant active in humanity; The vaccines are readily available to those who want them: Until there is some type of real consequences to those who chose not to get vaccinated three will be the anti-vax cults, and the incompetent CDC playing politicals with the mental and physical health of everyone. Living in sterile bubbles only makes al the rest of the viruses more potent. Lockdowns, masks, and crowd limitations will now make everyone pay a severe price this upcoming flu season. Unless some can show that not getting vaccinated is more effective than getting vaccinated, they should be mandatory. Bring back proof of vaccination cards for all travel
Wow. Why would I get anything put into my body for a virus that is 99.98% NON-Leathal? How about people become more healthy, better diet and nutrition, better mental fortitude so society becomes healthy and more resilient ! Oh, that’s to hard for you soft people. You want mandatory shots so you can eat your McDonalds, watch tv, and continue to be pathetic.
Delta Variant or “you are not acting scared enough”
You are not scared enough. Not if you ask this question. Any virus is a potential game-changer, and killer. The CEO of the Cox hospital system in Sp;ringfield, MO made it clear the Delta variant is spreading here. Cases went up from 1 case per week to over 20 cases per week; now, we have so many patients, they are shipping them to Kansas City and other, large cities with more bed availability. Today, I fired a welder who admitted he and his family aren’t vaccinated because Covid “isn’t a big deal where I live”: his wife and her Dad are hospital employees…you know, where Covid patients go…..and the hospital is shipping patients to Kansas City, St Louis, and Arkansas. If you don’t fear Delta, Covid 19, etc, you won’t arm yourself. May you and your family rest in peace. My wife and I are vaccinated fully, but avoid unmasked people, and still wear masks in public. Yeah, I’m afraid! Very afraid! Afraid my wife, kids, and grandkids will die because of fools who don’t take this seriously. After 30 years in the Army, I know to not let fear control me, but to take all necessary protection. Just like wearing my frag vest, humping my protective mask on my hip, and keeping my shot record up to date. That’s why I survived those 30 years, and others didn’t.
Fear kills, fear kills faster than the Delta Variant.. Fear is the fastest killer in the world. Sir spreading fear doesn’t help anyone if you’re scared get the vaccine if you’re scared wear the mask if you’re scared hide in a bubble. When people aren’t scared I’ll try to make them scared that causes turmoil upsetting society people like you should stay home and stop being scared don’t go outside, move way up north maybe in near the ice caps find a place that the Delta variant cannot live and protect yourself there isolate yourself from the rest of society so that we don’t have to hear anymore of your fear thank you good day.
Wow I’m sure you were a gem to serve for. Gross…
I got my Phizer shots in March..
I have been getting chemo therapy for my leukemia/lymphoma, and I got my last dose at the beginning of June. My Hematology/Oncology doctor said that my blood work and the results of the CT Scan on June 14, are good, so I will now be tested again quarterly.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Soc. is doing a study on leukemia/lymphoma patients to see if the vaccinations produced the antibodies, because, in many cases, they did not. Furthermore, when the trials were being conducted for the shots, those with leukemia/lymphoma were excluded. Therefore, for their study, they are asking leukemia/lymphoma patients to be tested for antibodies. I was tested, and the results were that the antibodies were not developed.
I discussed this with my Hematology/Oncology doctor at my next appt. He felt that this may have been caused by the fact that I was getting chemo therapy, so I should get another vaccine.
I went to the vaccination clinic at my VAMC, but they said that I could only get the two shots, so they would not re-vaccinate.
What is your opinion? Are their regulations more important than my health? Am I considered “fully vaccinated?” If not, am I supposed to go for the rest of my life like the lepers of old? What about going to a drug store and getting re-vaccinated there?
I am disappointed that the VA never addresses the immunity factor of people who have had Covid in the past and potential issues of getting Covid again plus potential issues with the vaccine for us who have gotten Covid.
Me too.
Those people that have been infected by COVID and are fully recovered have immunity.
What is the purpose of them getting a vaccine?
Have you not watched the news? Every real doctor and medical professionals agree that having had Covid WILL NOT PROTECT YOU….AND THAT THERE MAY BE BOOSTER SHOTS REQUIRED. Covid is a virus, just like the common flu. But we get annual flu shots for the simple reason we most likely will get boosters for Covid: to maintain an effective level of immunity. There are cases of people who had Covid, but got it again…..and died! What is there about medical science that too many in America can’t understand? And with the Delta variant, young people, children, and babies can die after infection. If you get your opinion from Congressman Rand Paul, who touts this Bravo Sierra, he’s not a medical doctor, with training and experience with these illnesses, HE’S AN EYE DOCTOR, AND HAS BEEN DEBUNKED MANY TIMES BY SPECIALISTS!
Okay people; My Mom the Vet is going to be at 6-months since her 2nd Covid shot on July 2nd – what’s there to celebrate over the 4th of July with no updates about booster shots???????????????????????????????????
Thank you for keeping me informed. It’s appreciated and helpful. William McGuire
The VA Clinic in Binghamton, NY, May as well close. They still will not see Vets in person, even if the vet is fully vaccinated, requiring them to get “care” via telephone or video. They are a disgrace. I wish I had never transferred from the clinic in Sayre, PA.
Dr. Fauci today on TV personally endorsed the idea of a mRNA vaccine “booster shot” for people who had the one shot J&J vaccine because of the Delta variant. He said that CDC and FDA would not recommend this until studies are done showing that this is necessary, but physicians were free to recommend it on individual patient basis.
What is VA’s position on this?
Any word on a ‘booster’ for the Covid-19 vaccine I had in February and March?
good information. I and my wife have been fully vaccinated.
The VA and HEALTH.E_VET. have been fabulous in taking care of my health and keeping me informed. It’s obvious that every employee in the outpatient clinic I go to(Davenport, Ia.)are well trained in how to interact with veterans, and get them the help they need! My wife is jealous of the care I receive, and how promptly I get the results from my tests. I count myself lucky that I have the VA!! Thanks! Fred Coen.