 San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) would like to alert you to an upcoming conference, called the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Summit, scheduled for November in San Francisco. While this is an exciting event that will bring world leaders to our city, there will be impacts that we would like you to be aware of.
San Francisco is hosting the APEC Leader's Summit, a week-long series of events taking place between November 11th – 18th, 2023, however impacts will begin tomorrow, November 7, 2023. The main event will be held at Moscone Convention Center, however smaller events will take place at other locations throughout the city.
What impacts should Veterans expect when accessing San Francisco VA Medical Center or SF Downtown VA Clinic?
- Veterans will need to plan ahead to get to their scheduled appointments on time. Expect challenges for transportation to these locations and plan for longer commute times.
- There will be road closures throughout the city. Certain streets, freeway ramps, and South of Market will be closed from November 7th – 19th. These closures will result in significant traffic impacts. Security perimeters will be established around event areas.
- If possible, consider switching your appointment at San Francisco VA Medical Center or SF Downtown VA Clinic to a virtual visit. For assistance, call us at 415-221-4810 then select the correct option for your designated specialty clinic.
- Contact your VA health care provider if you’re concerned about accessing medication or getting to your appointments particularly for time-sensitive ones, such as surgery or dialysis.
- Consider picking up groceries and medications to have on hand instead of traveling around busy impacted areas during this time.
- Visit the city’s dedicated website at sf.gov/apec-2023 to find more information about traffic and transit impacts as well as specific road closures: APEC Closure -Maps | San Francisco (sf.gov).
There will be disruptions and modifications to public transit. Track Muni changes here: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transit and Travel Information | SFMTA.
 SFVAHCS is now offering updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. Due to changes in the virus that causes COVID-19 and waning immunity, it is important to get the updated vaccine as soon as you can.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the following updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations:
- All adults should receive one updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose, if it’s been at least 2 months since receiving any older COVID-19 vaccine.
- Anyone who has not yet received any COVID-19 vaccine should receive one updated 2023-2024 Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR, a series of two updated 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccines spaced 3 weeks apart.
- Additionally, people with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions may receive additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 doses, if recommended by their provider.
Updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 shots are available at no cost for VA health care Veterans receiving care at VA.
The flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster (Moderna, brand name Spikevax) are now both available at San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) and all VA Clinics. Please call the SFVAHCS Hotline at 415-750-2204 to schedule an appointment!
While appointments are recommended for all locations, walk-ins at San Francisco VA Medical Center will be accepted (you may experience a wait as appointments are honored first). Hours at San Francisco VA Medical Center: 8:00 a.m. to Noon then 12:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m., daily Monday - Friday.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine: This is an optional vaccine for individuals 60 years of age or older. Veterans should reach out to their primary care provider to discuss whether RSV vaccine is recommended. Your provider will review your health conditions and risks associated with RSV infection before prescribing it. RSV vaccine can be given at our SFVAMC and VA Clinics after a provider has written a prescription.
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