St. Cloud VA

UPDATE

November 17, 2023

Flu & COVID-19 Vaccinations available for Veterans

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are available to Veterans at most scheduled VA appointments, through a “second chance” walk-in vaccination clinic at the St. Cloud VAMC, and through the VA Community Care Network. Both vaccines can be given during one visit.

Vaccinations at VA appointments

• Veterans can get a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccination as part of most scheduled appointments. Some services, like imaging, lab, and others, do not administer vaccines.

• Veterans without scheduled appointments can make a COVID-19 vaccine-only appointment by calling 320-252-1670, ext. 6339 to schedule. While there, simply ask for your flu shot at the same time. 

“Second Chance” walk-in vaccination clinic at the St. Cloud VAMC

Veterans without an upcoming appointment can get a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccination shot at a “second-chance” walk-in vaccination clinic at the St. Cloud VAMC.

• Tues., Dec. 5, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Bldg. 108. Enter Bldg. 1 and follow the signs.
• Wed., Dec. 6, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Bldg. 108. Enter Bldg. 1 and follow the signs.

The parking ramp is a great option for parking close to the main entrance.  

Flu Shots Also Available through VA’s Community Care Network

Eligible Veterans can receive free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at more than 70,000 Community Care Network (CCN) retail pharmacies and urgent care locations.

Veterans can use the VA Locator to find a VA facility, in-network retail pharmacy or urgent care location near them by visiting: https://www.va.gov/find-locations. You can also call 877-881-7618 for help locating an in-network provider.

Appointment Reminder Postcards

The St. Cloud VA transitioned to new appointment reminder postcards earlier this year. Veterans have been receiving the appointment reminder postcards through the mail.

The facility that prints and sends out the postcards for VA appointments is temporarily closed for repairs. As a brief contingency measure, in lieu of sending postcards we will be sending letters. As soon as postcards are available, we will resume use. 

NEW! Community Care appointments will now also be sent on postcards. Interestingly, Community Care post cards are printed at a separate facility and are not impacted.

Every November, VA celebrates National Family Caregivers Month

Please join our local Caregiver Support Program team in honoring caregivers, our critical partners in Veterans’ healthcare!

VA has a program specifically designed to help caregivers manage their own health and wellness. Remember, a caregiver can’t support a Veteran if they do not fill their own cup first! Our Caregiver Support Program core services can provide education, coaching and support to nearly all caregivers of enrolled Veterans who require some level of support with their healthcare. They can call us at (320) 252-1670, ext. 7283 for more information.

Upcoming offerings from the Caregiver Support Program

Friday, November 17, 9 - 10:30 a.m.: Caregiver Coffee in the Canteen

• St. Cloud VA Canteen
• Come learn about the Caregiver Support Program and chat with other caregivers!

Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.: Caregiver Conversations are hosted on WebEx. Caregivers can join online or by telephone. No registration necessary – log in at https://tinyurl.com/CSPCaregiverConversations.  

November 2023 Caregiver Conversations Topics:

• November 21 – The Four Agreements with Heidi
• November 28 – Gratitude with Tanya

December 2023 Caregiver Conversations Topics:

• December 5 – Communicating in Crisis with Jess
• December 12 – Self-Care During the Holidays with Kristi
• December 19 – Adult Day Health Care with Mary and Scott
• December 26 – Session canceled

Note: Topics and presenters are subject to change.

November Dementia Education Series! Attend whichever sessions that you would like. Registration required prior to attendance. Call 320-252-1670, ext. 7283.

• November 20, 2023 11 a.m.-noon: “Behavioral interventions for Caregivers” with Courtney Stufflebeam, Ph.D, VISN 23 Clinical Resource Hub
• November 27, 2023 11 a.m.-noon: “Law Enforcement and Dementia” with Mason Hlady, St. Cloud VA Police.
• Topics are subject to change

National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Call! Choosing Your Words: Harnessing the Power of Communication.

• November 22, 2023, 2 - 3 p.m. Caregivers must register to join the CSL monthly education call. To register, call 1-855-260-3274.

Help us…help you…to take charge of your medications

At every provider visit, our staff review all the medicines you are taking. Sometimes it may seem repetitive and boring, but the importance of this process can’t be overstated.

This process is called medication reconciliation and just like tracking expenses and balances in a checkbook register, we need an accurate list of current medication and known allergies. This helps everyone, including you, stay safe.

This helps avoid undesirable medication interactions, allergic reactions and to ensure your medications are as effective as possible.

We need you to be actively involved in this process!

During provider visits, please be ready to discuss all medications. We need to know which medications and supplements you take, how you take them, and all your medication allergies.

We’ll provide, and you should ask for, a current copy of your medication list following each provider visit.

We’ll review every medication to see if you are taking it, not taking it, or taking it differently. We’ll also ask any medications or supplements are missing from your list and double-check to make sure your medication allergy information is up to date.

Following each visit, you should ask for and receive an up-to-date medication list.

Sometimes, medication lists can change between provider visits. You are encouraged to set up and use a premium MyHealtheVet account so you can receive updated medication lists in real time. For personal assistance establishing a MyHealtheVet account, stop by the Health Hub in Bldg. 29, Rm. 20, during your next visit, or call 320-252-1670, ext. 7271. Check it out at https://myhealth.va.gov/

Please ask questions about your medications!

If you have questions about why you take medications, please be sure to ask your provider.

If you are interested in trying to decrease the number of medications you take, ask your primary provider for a referral to meet with your PACT pharmacist to identify deprescribing opportunities.

Intro to Whole Health course offerings near your home in November!

Intro to Whole Health is an educational class that equips you to take charge of your health by emphasizing life-enhancing strategies, self-healing and self-care. In November the course is available at the following dates, times and locations. Call 320-252-1670, ext. 5401 to reserve your spot.