The Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS) has available supply of the COVID-19 vaccine for central Virginia Veterans, spouses and eligible caregivers. Since December, CVHCS staff have administered more than 38,200 doses of the vaccine at its four clinics across central Virginia. Available appointments have increased with the accompanying supply increase. The vaccines are by appointment only.

While CVHCS appointment schedulers have been calling enrolled Veterans since the vaccination effort began, all who are eligible may sign-up online at https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/sign-up/introduction.  While CVHCS has an ample supply of the vaccine, all eligible persons should take the first opportunity to get vaccinated, whether through CVHCS or county and state vaccine programs.

“We are currently scheduling a lot of Veterans and are also serving those who are now eligible under the SAVE Lives Act,” said Dr. Deborah Panebianco, the chief of the CVHCS’s Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). “We want to spread the word that we have more than enough vaccine on hand and urge all eligible Veterans to get the vaccine at the first available opportunity. We are prioritizing our enrolled Veterans, however, all Veterans are eligible. If you ever put on a uniform you can get the vaccine through CVHCS.”

Definitions of the eligible groups are:

Eligible Veterans: Anyone who served in the U.S. military is eligible to be vaccinated through VA.

Eligible Spouse: For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a spouse to include marriage, same-sex and common-law marriages. This includes a widow or widower of a Veteran. If you characterize your relationship as spousal, you can receive the vaccine. Please go to the Sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA page to register. 

Eligible Caregivers: For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to the Veteran. Caregivers may help the Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help the Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation.

“I am very proud of the team effort the vaccine clinic staff have put in since the very first dose back in December, here in Richmond as well as our CBOCs in Emporia, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg,” said Panebianco. “The staff have done a great job and have been very focused and committed to serving our Veterans. Each member of the team should be incredibly proud for doing the great work our Veterans have come to expect from the Central Virginia VA Health Care System.”

Please go to the Sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA page to register.