From the Birmingham VA Health Care System
Dear Veterans and Friends,
As the Birmingham VA notices increased COVID infection numbers and requests for COVID tests, the Birmingham VA Health Care System remains prepared and committed to our Veteran population.
Our physicians, nurses, and support staff work hard to ensure Veterans receive the highest quality health care, especially during a surge of COVID-19 Omicron cases.
The following guidelines are in place to limit the number of people inside the medical center and our Veterans clinics. These restrictions are necessary to protect Veterans in the medical center and health care staff.
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- No visitors are allowed for non-COVID inpatients unless exceptional circumstances exist.
- No visitors for COVID positive inpatients who remain under infection control isolation with transmission-based precautions, unless exceptional circumstances exist.
- Patients arriving for outpatient clinic visits may bring one adult visitor with them to an appointment at a VA facility. The patient escort must be screened for COVID-19, complete a temperature check, and wear a face covering for the duration of their visit.
- Anyone who is allowed entrance must be screened for COVID-19, complete a temperature check, and wear a face covering for the duration of their visit. Any prospective visitor who screens positive would not be allowed in the medical center.
- During exceptional circumstances, such as end of life situations, visitors or additional exceptions to the visitation policy can be considered when appropriate. In situation where a visitor is considered necessary only one visitor in a 24 hour period will be allowed. Visitors should remain in the room with the patient for the duration of the visit and wear a mask at all times in the facility and in the patient’s room.
Vaccines and Boosters
All Veterans, their spouses, caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients including adolescents ages 12-17 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Birmingham VA facilities — even Veterans who don’t use VA for their care.
The Birmingham VA is administering the Pfizer-BioNTech and J&J/Janssen Covid-19 booster shots at its main facility, Birmingham VA Clinic, and Huntsville Outpatient Clinic on Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. -3 p.m. You can also get your vaccine at one of the local Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
You can also call us at 1-866-487-4243 or 205-558-4703 to schedule an appointment for your booster shot.
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Treatment options and VA Virtual Care
NOTE: Several medications are now available for outpatients recently diagnosed with COVID-19. These medicines have been shown to decrease the need for hospitalization in patients with mild COVID who are at high risk of developing severe disease. Ask your provider about these medications if you are diagnosed with COVID.
Face-to-face appointments are available, and virtual care is always an option for Veterans who prefer it. Your VA provider may recommend postponing appointments and procedures that may put you at higher risk of getting COVID-19.
Talk to your VA care team members about your treatment options and the precautions being taken to safeguard your health. Contact your VA provider using My HealtheVet Secure Messaging, or call 866-487-4243 to speak to a telephone triage nurse.
You can also talk to one of the patient advocates from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central Time at 205-933-8101 -
- Birmingham VA Hospital : ext. 334740 or ext. 336984
- Huntsville Clinic: ext. 414043
- Birmingham Clinic: ext. 333844
For your convenience and safety, you can still use telehealth and virtual tools to access VA care. Please ask about virtual appointments if in-person care isn’t necessary.
VA Virtual Care
Using VA virtual care tools, you can continue to access high-quality VA care safely and securely from home. The Birmingham VA Health Care System has increased virtual care by 340% in the past year.
- Virtual Appointments: VA offers video or phone appointments if you choose to stay home. Using VA Video Connect, you can connect with your VA care team from home over video using your computer or mobile device. Phone appointments are also available if VA Video Connect is not an option for you (e.g., if you don’t have internet access or a computer or mobile device).
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- To set up a virtual care appointment, send your provider a secure message on My HealtheVet or call us:
- Birmingham Area: 205-558-7095
- Outside Birmingham Area: 866-487-4243
- My HealtheVet Secure Messaging: With My HealtheVet, you can send messages to your VA care team online. Use Secure Messaging to ask your VA providers nonurgent health questions or to schedule an appointment.
- Register at va.gov or by calling the Birmingham My HealtheVet Coordinator at 205-933-8101, ext. 3903.
- Prescription Refills: You can refill your VA prescriptions and ship them to your doorstep using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill app. You can also manage prescriptions by calling the Birmingham VA pharmacy:
- Birmingham Area: 205-939-4580
- Outside Birmingham Area: 888-250-3510
- VA Apps: VA has developed mobile apps to support Veterans through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Annie App for Veterans can help you monitor possible COVID-19 symptoms, and the COVID Coach app can support your mental health and self-care. Learn more and find all of VA’s apps at the VA App Store.
Thank you for helping us keep Birmingham VA Health Care System facilities safe for everyone.
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