VISN 01 - VA Bedford Healthcare System - News & Announcements Dec. 11, 2020: VA Bedford one of VA sites to receive initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 11-00
Dec. 11, 2020
Contact:  Kat Bailey
Cell:  781-885-5253
melissa.bailey@va.gov

 

VA Bedford Healthcare System selected as one of 37 VA sites to receive initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine

BEDFORD, Mass. — VA Bedford Healthcare System today announced that it has been selected as one of 37 VA sites to receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.  

The health care system was selected for its ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures. 

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, VA Bedford will begin vaccinating health care personnel and Veterans in VA’s long-term health care facilities once the Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for a vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine implementation will include an initial limited-supply phase followed by a general implementation phase, when large supplies of the vaccine will be available to Veterans who want to receive one.  

VA’s ultimate goal is to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all Veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated. As more vaccine becomes available, VA Bedford will implement procedures to schedule appointments with eligible Veterans. 

“We are very excited to provide a vaccine that has the potential to help get COVID-19 under control when used alongside public health measures such as masking, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing,” said VA Bedford chief of staff Dr. Shilpa Rungta. 

Veterans seeking additional information should visit the VA Coronavirus FAQs webpage or contact their Care team.  

Visit VA Bedford’s public website at https://www.bedford.va.gov for more information about our services and programs. Like and follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/VABedfordHCS and https://twitter.com/VABedfordHCS.

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