Roseburg VA Expands Offering of COVID-19 Booster Shots - Dec 20, 2021 Update

PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Roseburg VA Expands Offering of COVID-19 Booster Shots - Dec 20, 2021 Update

ROSEBURG, OR – The safety and care of Veterans and our workforce are VA’s top priorities. As of October 26, 2021, Roseburg VA Health Care System (RVAHCS) has been offering Veterans, employees and SAVE LIVES Act recipients the Moderna vaccine booster shots.

“Vaccines remain the best way of protecting Veterans, staff and the RVAHCS community against COVID-19,” said Keith Allen, Medical Center Director. “During the holidays, the expanded Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations regarding booster shots allow us to better protect those at higher risk, as well as our community at large.”

CDC recommends a booster for individuals who are 18 years and older and are at least 6 months from their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 2 months from their single dose J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

Adolescents aged 16-17 years may receive a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completion of the primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Individuals who are 18 years and older may receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose and should check their vaccination site ahead of time if they have a preference of vaccine. Individuals younger than 18 years old should only get the Pfizer-BioNTech as a booster.

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 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.

Veterans who received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of VA will need to contact the Primary Care Clinic at 541-440-1000. Those who received a vaccine under authority of the SAVE LIVES Act and want a booster shot may do so in VA if supply permits and should consult with their physician if they have questions about whether they should receive a booster. Contact the RVAHCS Call Center at 541-440-1000 for an appointment or information about walk-in hours.

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. 

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