NF/SGVHS Now Offering Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses to all Staff and Veterans

North Florida/ South Georgia Veterans Health System is now offering Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine boosters to all adults. 

This decision follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation to expand booster shots for individuals who are 18 years and older, and who completed the initial two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at least six months ago. The CDC also recommends COVID-19 booster shot to anyone 18 years and older who received a J&J vaccine at least 2 months ago. 

The initial vaccine series remains effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, or death among those infected. The purpose of a booster is to “boost” antibody protection back up when it has decreased over time. Individuals may receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose and should check ahead with their vaccine site if they have a preference of vaccine. 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.

Vaccine booster shots are available for VA employees and Veterans receiving care at VA. Vaccine booster shots are also available to all other Veterans, spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act, as supply and capacity permits.

Below are some questions and answers that may be help to you as you make your booster decision:

Why should I get a booster shot? The initial vaccine series remains effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, or death among those infected. The purpose of a booster is to “boost” antibody protection back up when it has decreased over time.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment by calling 352-548-6000 ext.103755 or attend a no-appointment needed clinic. A listing of our no appointment needed clinics is available on our website. Please note that there must be a minimum interval of six months between the second dose of your initial series and your booster shot if you received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna; and a minimum of two months if you had the J&J vaccine. Please make sure to bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card! This is particularly important if your initial series was given outside of VA.

What if I received my booster shot outside of VA?

If you received your booster shot outside of VA, we encourage you to share this information with your care team.

Can I get the flu shot at the same appointment as my COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes! Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone and can be given during your same visit for COVID-19 vaccination.

NF/SGVHS remains deeply dedicated to the safety of our employees and Veterans. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work together keep our Veterans safe.