Madison VA Veterans,

We are reaching out to let you know that the Madison VA and Community Based Outpatient Clinics are now scheduling appointments for Booster Doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. All booster vaccines at this time are being administered at scheduled appointments. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a Moderna Booster Vaccine, please call 608-280-2160.

Vaccines remain the best way of protecting Veterans, staff and the community against COVID-19. The expanded FDA and CDC recommendations regarding booster shots allow us to better protect those at higher risk, as well as our community at large.

This decision follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation for a booster dose of the Moderna or J&J vaccine:

• For those who completed a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at least 6 months after their second dose:
• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings.
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions.
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings.
• For those who had a J&J COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated at least 2 months ago.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose; however at our hospital and clinics, the vaccine that is available is Moderna. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. If you decide to get a different booster in the community, please bring a copy of your Vaccine Card or Record to your next appointment or send a message through My HealtheVet to ensure we update your VA Records.

While the initial series of vaccines remain highly effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, or death among those infected, the purpose of this booster shot is to “boost” antibody protection when it has decreased over time.

VA is also offering the booster to Veterans, their spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act, as supply and capacity permits. The Save Lives Act authorizes VA to offer vaccine to Veterans not traditionally eligible for VHA care, and others including spouses and caregivers of Veterans.

Appointments are available beginning Friday October 29^th at the Madison Main Hospital and beginning Monday November 1^st at our Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Those who received a vaccine under authorization of the SAVE LIVES Act and are due for a booster shot should consult with their physician if they have questions about whether they should receive a booster.

CDC advises that it is safe for people to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time. Veterans receiving care at VA who wish to get a booster shot can get both shots together during the same visit.

Visit VA’s Questions webpage for questions and answers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. We look forward to seeing you!

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital