COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine Information

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is opening a portion of the new VA clinic at 6450 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston beginning Feb. 1, 2021 to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations to Veterans.

The state-of-the-art 75,000 sq. ft. facility, designed to focus on primary care and dental services with select specialty care for Veterans, is scheduled to open this summer at full capability but will be used temporarily as a vaccination clinic to meet the demands of Veterans requesting the vaccination.

Veterans 70-years-old and older who are enrolled in VA health care are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this location, by appointment. The clinic will be able to vaccinate up to 5,000 Veterans per week, dependent on the availability of vaccines. Veterans who are eligible for the vaccine should call 843-789-6900 to schedule an appointment. The appointment line will be available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    

We were approved to be one of the first VA facilities to distribute both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and we are eager to get the vaccine to as many Veterans as possible. Our goal is to distribute vaccines as quickly as we can and as soon as they arrive.

Veterans who have already received their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should return to that same location for their second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their first dose. Veterans can locate the date of their first dose of the vaccine on their Vaccination Card. Any Veterans who have already been contacted by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and have a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment, should keep the date and time of that appointment at the location scheduled. 

For Veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA, please call our eligibility office at 843-789-7008 or visit our eligibility website https://www.charleston.va.gov/patients/eligibility.asp

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

VA is moving forward with expanding select services at facilities across the country. As we welcome Veterans back, we will continue safety measures including, but not limited to, physical distancing, environmental cleaning recommendations outlined by the CDC, face coverings for all, and staff and Veteran screening for signs of COVID-19 infection. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to Veterans and staff. 

• Veteran patients should enter the building no earlier than 15 minutes before their appointment time.
• Veteran patients should exit the building as soon as their appointment is completed.
• No Visitor policy continues with some exceptions for end-of-life care patients; no visitors under age 18.
• All individuals must wear face masks while on our campuses and in our facilities.

If you are sick or have symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the VAMC Telephone Advice Program is still the best, first contact before visiting our facilities. Staff are available 24/7 for nurse advice and triage. You may be referred from VA to MUSC Health or VA clinics in Savannah, Hinesville or Myrtle Beach for drive-through testing. Testing referral and appointments are required. 

Contact us at: 1-888-878-6884 or (843) 789-6400.

More information on COVID-19 is available at:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• VA COVID Information: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus/

VAMC Primary Care Lab Moves to Mobile Lab

Effective July 27, the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Primary Care Lab moved to a mobile laboratory located in the Valet Parking area of the medical center. The Primary Care laboratory sees patients by scheduled appointment to allow for proper social distancing and patient safety.

If you have an appointment at the Charleston Primary Care Lab, please enter the mobile laboratory no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment time and exit as soon as it’s completed.

Patients arriving at the medical center should enter from Bravo Street and exit onto Bee Street. Signage is posted and visitors should be advised this is a one-way entry/exit at this time. There are four dedicated parking spaces numbered 1-4. Upon arrival, patients should call 843-789-7156 and answer a series of COVID-screening questions.