The health and safety or our Veterans and staff remain a top priority for VA. Vaccine remains the best way to protect everyone from serious illness.
Vaccine availability at our main facility and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) follows the recent Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) announcement authorizing a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and J&J COVID vaccines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations, as follows:
Individuals who previously received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 COVID vaccine series may get a booster with either the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna COVID-19, or J&J Vaccine 6 months after their last dose if they are :
- 65 years of age and older
- 18 years of age and older who reside in long-term care settings
- 18 through 64 years old at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2
Individuals who previously received the J&J COVID vaccine may get a booster with either the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna COVID-19, or J&J Vaccine 2 months after their initial dose if they are:
- 18 years of age and older
Erie VA and our Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), currently offer Moderna vaccine and boosters. J&J boosters are anticipated in the near future.
Upon availability, eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. CDC’s recommendations allow for a mix-and-match dosing for booster shots. This means those who originally received J&J may opt for a Moderna booster and vice versa.
VA will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to those authorized under Save Lives Act until the end of the public health emergency.
Veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care, their spouses, caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients will receive vaccine as supply and capacity permits.
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.
This means that a booster is not equal to a full dose of vaccine. Additionally, it means a third dose of Moderna is not equal to a booster of Moderna vaccine.
Veterans who receive care in the VA and are due for booster shots will be identified through VA’s Veterans Outreach Tool, contacted, advised of the recommended booster, and scheduled for an appointment.
Veterans who received COVID-19 vaccine outside of the VA, are encouraged to self-report to their primary care team through secure messaging available with their My HealtheVet Premium account.
To schedule an appointment, call 814-868-8661 and press 2. For more information about booster criteria, visit CDC.gov.
If you remain undecided about the COVID-19 vaccine, click here to learn more about the importance of protecting yourself, family members, and the community.
The Erie VA Medical Center is committed to vaccinating our Veterans, providing the best and safest care, and helping Veterans stay connected to their primary care providers.
Effective Monday, November 1, 2021, all persons wearing a face shield must present medical authorization to the screener upon entering.
Our team remains diligent in adhering to VA policies of universal masking, COVID-19 screening, social distancing, and infection protocols.
Your patience, flexibility, and patience is appreciated as we navigate these uncertain times.
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