St. Cloud VA Health care
System announcement

News & Announcements

St. Cloud VA Pandemic Response Update 

Masks are still required at VA facilities

Yesterday, the CDC relaxed its masking mandates for fully vaccinated individuals. But, the new guidance is NOT intended for health care settings; therefore masking is still a requirement for all individuals in VA health care facilities.

Please continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing and follow other current prescribed prevention measures while visiting a VA facility. As additional changes occur, we will keep everyone apprised.

Minnesota’s statewide mask requirement has also ended, aligning the state with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on face coverings.

• Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors.
• Private businesses and local municipalities may still put in place face covering requirements.
• Minnesotans should follow CDC guidance and wear masks in medical settings and on public transportation, whether or not they are fully vaccinated.

The path to “Normal”

The sooner we get more Veterans, their spouses and caregivers protected from COVID-19 through vaccination, the sooner “normal” within VA facilities can return. All Veterans are encouraged to get a vaccine, either in the community or through the VA.

Older Veterans understand the risks of COVID-19 and most have gotten their vaccine. We highly encourage those Veterans 64 years of age and younger to think seriously about getting vaccinated.

• Being young and healthy does not protect you from COVID-19 infection, nor from spreading it to those whom you care about.
• If you’ve already had COVID-19, a vaccination can help ensure you don’t get it again, as rates of reinfection among those who have been vaccinated are very low.
• Vaccines are almost 100% effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations at the St. Cloud VA 

The St. Cloud VA is providing the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines, as authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 How to get a COVID-19 vaccination at the St. Cloud VA

• With another appointment: Enrolled Veterans are offered or can request a vaccine for themselves and their spouse or caregiver when scheduling other appointments.
• Vaccine-only appointment: Enrolled Veterans desiring a vaccine-only appointment for themselves or their spouse or caregiver can call 320-252-1670, Ext. 6339.
• Not enrolled Vaccine-only appointment: Veterans not enrolled for VA care, their caregivers and spouses, and CHAMPVA beneficiaries may use the Keep Me Informed tool at https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ or call 320-252-1670, Ext. 6339

We recommend that everyone discusses the risks and benefits of vaccines with your medical provider and encourage everyone who can get a vaccine to do so—it’s important for your health and well-being, and for your family and the community.