VA Northeast Ohio COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Update

Dear VA Veterans & Stakeholders,

Now that we are moving beyond our initial COVID-19 vaccination phase, we wanted to provide you with a status update.  We will continue to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with VA guidance based on CDC recommendations and an analysis of VA’s patient population. 

Our healthcare system was one of the first 37 VA sites to receive the Pfizer BioTech COVID-19 Vaccine.  We will continue to use the Pfizer BioTech COVID-19 vaccine which requires a first and second dose with 17 to 21 days in between. 

Our ultimate goal is to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all Veterans and employees who choose to be vaccinated, but it may take some time due to vaccine supply and the distribution process. 

During this period of limited vaccine supply, we are focusing on established priority groups to maximize the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine for Veterans and staff.  The priority groups were developed based on risk for infection, risk of transmitting infection, and public health and infrastructure risk if the person is unable to work.

VA vaccination tiers and schedules may look different than the general public because of our unique patient population.  The advanced age of the majority of our patients and likelihood of comorbidities creates an added layer of complexity when it comes to identifying potential risk and managing available doses.  

We’ve started phase (B-1A) of vaccinations for VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, focusing on Veterans in a few high-risk subgroups followed by patients who are 75 years and older.

VA staff are reaching out to patients in the B-1A group to schedule for vaccinations.  In some cases, we will be using an automated service to help expedite notification.  Veterans who believe they fall into the B-1A category and have not heard from VA can call their primary care team to express interest and be scheduled. 

When we schedule outpatients, we will identify the date and time for both doses, as the second dose is an essential component to the vaccine.  We must ensure Veterans are available to receive their first and second doses from the same location.  We are using the Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Akron VA Outpatient Clinic Annex for scheduled vaccine distribution at this time.  Additional locations may be added in the future.  Veterans will be advised of their designated vaccine location upon scheduling.          

We appreciate your patience and assure you that we are working expeditiously to get the vaccine out to our nation’s heroes in accordance with CDC and VA guidelines.  Those looking for more information on VA’s overall approach can visit:  www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.   

Beth A. Lumia, MSW

Associate Director