Houston VA
Medical Center Update

News & Announcements

Dear Veteran,

COVID-19 cases within the greater Houston community and surrounding areas are rising. Our top priority is ensuring you continue to receive the highest quality healthcare during a surge of COVID-19 Omicron cases.

Please note, the Houston VA Emergency Department (ED) is NOT a COVID testing site for non-emergent patients. Please reserve use of the ED for those experiencing a medical emergency or if you feel your COVID symptoms require emergency medical treatment. If you recently came in contact with someone with COVID and have no symptoms, keep isolated from others to avoid possible spread and monitor your symptoms until you can schedule an appointment for a COVID test. If you have COVID symptoms, please contact your VA primary care provider at 713-794-8985 for further guidance. Your provider may recommend a COVID test. There are a number of free COVID testing sites opening in the Houston area, likely closer to where you live. You can be tested anywhere or your provider can arrange an appointment for you to be tested at the VA. 

Your Houston VA is prepared to use several options to deliver care during this time, including maximizing virtual care where appropriate, maximizing staff vaccination including booster doses, and if necessary, rescheduling non-urgent appointments and procedures until a later time as deemed safe by your medical team.

Being fully vaccinated, receiving a booster shot and wearing a mask in public indoor settings is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID.  If you have not been fully vaccinated or received a booster, we encourage you to walk in to our main medical center or our community clinics in Tomball, Conroe, Richmond, Katy, Lufkin, Beaumont, Texas City and Lake Jackson, Monday through Friday during business hours.  There is no need to make an appointment for a COVID vaccine. 

When you do come to one of our VA clinics or our main medical center for an appointment, please come alone if at all possible.  For the safety of our Veteran patients and our staff, we are limiting visitors to our medical center.

Thank you for your service. We look forward to providing you with timely, high-quality healthcare in 2022 and beyond.