COVID-19 Vaccine Update
COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19. We have plenty of vaccine and want to help you stay as safe and healthy as possible.
How do I schedule a vaccine?
Initial vaccinations, third doses and booster doses are offered to Veterans with prior scheduled primary care nursing visits, surgical and specialty care nursing visits, and mental health appointments at all St. Cloud VA HCS locations; with these prior scheduled appointments, you do not need to schedule an additional appointment to receive a vaccine.
Those needing a vaccine-only appointment can schedule a vaccine or booster for themselves and their spouse or caregiver by calling 320-252-1670 and selecting Option 8 weekdays between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Unenrolled Veterans, spouses or caregivers who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination at VA should visit and complete the vaccine sign-up form at https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/sign-up/ before calling to schedule.
Which vaccine should I receive?
St. Cloud VA currently offers the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccines. We no longer offer the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC recommends that individuals 18 years and older receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna at our facilities).
The recent authorization of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine allows us to offer another option to those who have not yet been vaccinated to protect against COVID-19.
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is the first “protein subunit” COVID-19 vaccine available for use in the U.S. With this COVID-19 vaccine, the spike protein itself is injected into the body to induce an immune response. This type of vaccine has been used in the U.S for more than 30 years. It is the same type of vaccine as some of our current shingles and flu vaccines. For more information visit Understanding Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC.
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine is a 2-dose primary series vaccine to be given at least 3 weeks apart.
- A 3 week interval is recommended for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, adults > 65 years old, and in situations in which there is increased concern about COVID-19 Community Levels | CDC or an individual’s higher risk for severe disease.
- Extending the dosing interval to 8 weeks may reduce the small risk of myocarditis or pericarditis, especially for males ages 18-39 years.
- It is important to get both doses and complete the primary series with Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine
If you have questions as to which vaccine is best for you please consult with your care team.
What about booster and third doses?
Individuals 18 years and older should get a booster if they completed a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series at least 6 months ago, or a single dose of J&J vaccine at least 2 months ago.
An additional (third) dose of Moderna vaccine is offered to people who have moderate to severe immune compromise and received either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Consult with you provider if you think you meet the criteria to receive a third dose. For these patients who already received a booster dose, no additional doses are advised at this time.
Booster doses using Novavax vaccine are not authorized at this time.
What do I need to bring?
A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card should be brought to all vaccine appointments. This is particularly important if your initial series was given outside of VA.
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VA Health Chat
Receive care from VA without stepping foot into a facility or having to make a phone call. The VA Health Chat App provides easy, online access to chat by text or video with VA staff when you have minor health questions, want to schedule an appointment, have a COVID-19 concern, and more.
Currently VA Health Chat is available to Veterans at select locations, as follows:
Use VA Health Chat for immediate answers when:
- You feel ill and unsure about going to an emergency room or clinic
- You have a reaction to a medication
- You have questions about your prescriptions
- You need medical advice for a minor injury or illness, such as:
- Allergies
- Congestion/cough/cold
- Ear ache
- Fever
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Stomachache
The VA Health Chat team can also help you:
- Find your closest VA facility
- Schedule an appointment*
- Refill a VA prescription
- Send a non-urgent message to your health care team
VA Health Chat accesses your VA Electronic Health Record and, for your security, requires you to enter My HealtheVet (premium), DS Logon (premium), ID.me, or account credentials.
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Changes ahead for Check-in and Travel Pay
For several years Veterans could check-in for appointments and file claims for travel pay using the self-service kiosks at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center and our community clinics.
VA is phasing out use of the kiosks and by September 29 the kiosks will no longer be available for use.
To check-in at appointments Veterans can simply visit the staff member at the clinic reception desk. Staff can also assist with updating insurance and contact information.
To file travel pay claims Veterans can use either the web-based Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) or submit a paper claim form. While paper claim submissions are available, they take longer to process and do not offer the advantages of BTSSS.
BTSSS provides an easy to use web-based application that allows you to enter and track your claim over the internet via AccessVA. This ensures timely processing and payment of travel reimbursements and reduces manual intervention and improper claim payments through automated features.
What to do before you file your first claim
Filing a claim using BTSSS
View our informational pamphlet How to file a travel pay claim online, which is attached to this bulletin. You can use your smartphone or personal computer to log on to AccessVA using your DSLogon, Login.gov, ID.me or MyHealtheVet account credentials.
If you don’t have one of these accounts, you can create a Login.gov or ID.me account and then sign in.
File a paper claim
You can also file your claim by mail, fax, or in person at the VA facility where you received care. To do this, you’ll need to fill out a Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses (VA Form 10-3542).
Get VA Form 10-3542 to download
Paper forms are also available at the St. Cloud VA Travel Office in Bldg. 5, Rm. 119, and at the community clinics.
Read the statements and certifications carefully. Then sign and date your form. Mail, fax, or take your completed form and receipts in person to the VA facility where you received care. If you mail your claim, we consider the postmark date the date of submission.
Beneficiary Travel eligibility
For Veterans
As a Veteran, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you meet the requirements listed here.
This must be true:
You’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.
And at least one of these must also be true:
- You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, or
- You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%, or
- You receive a VA pension, or
- You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate, or
- You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by our guidelines, or
- You’re traveling for one of these reasons: A scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care
For caregivers
VA may pay for transportation and related lodging and meals for non-Veterans if the person meets any of these requirements.
At least one of these must be true:
- The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care, or
- The person is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care, or
- The person is your transplant care donor or support person
Learn more!
For more information please visit: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/
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PACT Act of 2022
The PACT Act of 2022 is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Key components of the PACT Act include:
- Expands VA health care eligibility for toxic-exposed Veterans and extends enhanced eligibility for Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 combat Veterans
- Adds more than 20 burn pit and toxic-exposure-related conditions to VA’s service presumption list
- Improves VA’s decision-making process for determining what medical conditions will be considered for presumptive status
- Every enrolled Veteran will receive an initial toxic exposure screening and a follow-up screening at least every 5 years. Veterans who are not enrolled, but who meet eligibility requirements, will have an opportunity to enroll and receive the screening
- VA health care and benefits personnel will receive toxic exposure-related education and training
- Requires research studies on mortality of Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War, Post-9/11 Veteran health trends, and Veteran cancer rates
- Helps VA build a stronger, more skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for benefits and services
- Authorizes 31 new medical facilities across the country, providing greater access to VA health care
Visit https://www.va.gov/PACT to learn more, or view, download and print the attached fact sheets.
Central Minnesota Veterans wanting to apply for VA health care enrollment may call our Eligibility Department at 320-252-1670, ext. 6340.
Those wanting to file a claim for service connected disabilities are encouraged to visit with their local County Veterans Service Office. A full listing of County Veterans Service Offices in Minnesota is available at: https://www.macvso.org/
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Whole Health Mindful Awareness
Mindful Awareness is at the heart of Whole Health.
- Mindful Awareness is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.
- Practicing Mindful Awareness can have a positive impact on many aspects of life that include: physical health, immune system, mental health, and chronic pain.
- To learn more about Mindful Awareness click the link: “An Introduction to Mindful Awareness” to learn more.
Serving all enrolled Veterans Monday-Friday, In-Person and Virtually!
Call the Whole Health Department at 320-252-1670, ext. 5401, to learn more!
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2022 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition
The 2022 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition is coming up September 28-29, 2022. Entries are due September 16, 2022. Help get the word out to our Veterans.
For more information or to enter Veterans can contact Madge Scherer, 320-252-1670, ext. 7336 or 320-469-6658.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Intro to Whole Health Class is and informative class that equips you to take charge of your health by emphasizing self-empowerment, self-healing, and self-care through better knowledge. Occurs the 1st and 4th Wednesday every month, in person and virtual. Call the St. Cloud Whole Health Team to schedule: (320) 252-1670 Ext. 5401.
Taking Charge of My Life Program
A program helping Veterans learn more about how to improve their health and live consistently with what is most important to them. Occurs on Tuesdays in a series of 4 sessions. Call the St. Cloud Whole Health Team to schedule: (320) 252-1670 Ext. 5401.
Veterans Affairs Radio Show
Monday, September 12, 8:10- 8:30 a.m.
KNSI AM 1450/ FM 103.3
Voices for Veterans Radio Show
Wednesday, September 21, 8 8:15-8:30 a.m.
WJON AM 1240 / FM95.3
For a complete Calendar of Events, go to
https://www.va.gov/st-cloud-health-care/events/
Quick Reference Phone List
| Main St. Cloud VA HCS Phone Number |
320-252-1670 or 800-247-1739 |
| TDD User |
320-255-6450 |
| Max J. Beilke VA Clinic, Alexandria |
320-759-2640 |
| Brainerd VA Clinic |
218-855-1115 |
| Montevideo VA Clinic |
320-269-2222 |
| Veterans Crisis Line |
800-273-8255 Press 1 |
| Homeless Veterans Hotline |
877-424-3838 |
| Billing |
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| VA Care |
866-347-2352 |
| Care in the Community (non-VA Care) |
877-881-7618 |
| Caregiver Support Team |
Ext. 7283 |
| Chaplain Service |
Ext. 6386 |
| Community Care Referrals |
Ext. 6401 |
| Discrimination Complaints |
Ext. 6304 |
| Eligibility |
Ext. 6226/6340 |
| Nutrition Clinic |
Ext. 6376 |
| Transition and Care Management Program |
Ext. 6453 |
| Patient Advocate |
Ext. 6353 |
| Pharmacy Refill Line |
855-560-1724 |
| Public Affairs Office |
Ext. 6353 |
| Release of Information (Medical Records) |
Ext. 6336 |
| Transportation |
Ext. 7622 |
| TRICARE |
844-866-9378 |
| Voluntary Service |
Ext. 6365 |
| VA Police |
Ext. 6355 |
Stay in Touch
Visit our Website: https://www.va.gov/st-cloud-health-care/
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StCloudVAHCS
Sign up for our automated email service. Visit the St. Cloud VA Website at: https://www.va.gov/st-cloud-health-care/ and scroll down to the Get updates from VA St Cloud health care in the grey box. Click on the options you wish and enter your email address and you will be signed up to receive email updates from these four options.
You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Health. Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe. Get this as a forward? Sign Up to receive updates from Veterans Health. Having questions or problems? Please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com for assistance.
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