VA Palo Alto Health Care System COVID-19 Vaccine Update

VA Palo Alto Health Care System
COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two COVID-19 vaccines. VA will have a limited number of vaccines to start. We've worked with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. Our goal is to do the most good for the most people during this time.

You will be contacted by your VA health care team if you're eligible to get a vaccine based on the established risk categories. You don't need to reserve a vaccine, or come to a VA facility to request or receive a vaccine until we contact you. Our staff will only provide vaccines to Veterans who are currently eligible for one based on VA and CDC risk criteria.

COVID-19 Vaccines for VAPAHCS Veterans

VAPAHCS is proud to announce that as of January 13, 2021, we have administered 6,177 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans and staff. We look forward to vaccinating more Veterans in 2021, and continuing to organize more vaccine clinics.

Are you a Veteran who wants to indicate your interest in getting the COVID-19 vaccine or learn more about it? Sign up for our “Keep Me Informed” tool to express your interest in getting the vaccine and to learn more. 

Who received the vaccine first?

Initial supplies of the COVID vaccine were limited nationwide. Per CDC guidance, VA began by vaccinating health care personnel – as they are essential in continuing to care for patients throughout the pandemic – and Veteran inpatients in our Community Living Centers and Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Center. 

Who is getting the vaccine now?

VA Palo Alto has now begun vaccinating high-risk Veterans, beginning with our homeless Veterans, dialysis, transplant patients, chemotherapy patients and Veterans over 90 years of age. We are offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans who are at the greatest risk for infection and severe illness based on the CDC’s guidelines and will continue to work our way through the established priority groups.  The current phase will include Veterans who are 75 years or older, but in a phased approach since VA Palo Alto has over 20,000 Veterans who are 75 years old or older.   

How will I be contacted about getting the vaccine?

VA Palo Alto is calling Veterans in high risk categories to schedule them for COVID vaccine appointments. Currently, we are offering COVID vaccinations only by appointment and only at the Palo Alto and Livermore Divisions. To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, Veterans should not come into our VA facility looking to receive a vaccine without an appointment. Care teams will contact you when a vaccine is available, based on your personal risk factors and vaccine availability. When you are called to schedule your vaccine appointment, you will be provided details about where to go on campus to get your vaccine.

I have a specific medical condition and don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to be vaccinated. Who should I ask?

If you have a question about your personal medical history, please communicate with your primary care provider. You can also learn quite a bit about the specifics of the COVID-19 vaccine at our Keep Me Informed tool.

When will I be contacted about getting the vaccine?

The VA’s goal is to offer the vaccine to all Veterans who choose to be vaccinated. With more than 67,000 Veterans registered for care at VA Palo Alto we request your patience and understanding as we work our way through the high risk priority groups first. We will keep you informed as the situation develops and more vaccine is made available to us. Please sign up for the VA’s Keep Me Informed tool to indicate your interest in getting the vaccine and learn more about where we are in the vaccination process.

In the meantime, what can I do to fight COVID-19?

Keep up the 3W’s!

It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Even after vaccination, Veterans and employees should continue to:

• Wear a face covering
• Watch your distance (stay 6 feet apart)
• Wash hands frequently

To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit VA's vaccine information page.