Beckley VAMC Adds December Clinic Days for COVID-19 Boosters

Upcoming dates are December 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

Clinic hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are greatly encouraged but walk-ins are accepted. To make an appointment, call 304-255-2121, ext. 4500. Veterans may also receive their booster at any upcoming medical appointment already scheduled. Beckley VAMC has the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines available.

Veterans are asked to bring their vaccination card, especially if they received the initial vaccine outside the Beckley VAMC.

“Vaccines remain the best way of protecting Veterans, staff and the southern West Virginia region against COVID-19,” said Medical Center Director Desmond McMullan. “The expanded FDA and CDC recommendations regarding booster shots allow us to better protect those at higher risk, as well as our community at large.”

This decision follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation for a booster dose of the Moderna or J&J vaccine:

• For those who completed a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at least six months after their second dose:
  • 65 years and older
  • Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings.
  • Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions.
  • Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings.
• For those who had a J&J COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated at least two months ago.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

While the initial series of vaccines remain highly effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, or death among those infected, the purpose of this booster shot is to “boost” antibody protection when it has decreased over time.

VA is also offer the booster to Veterans, their spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act, as supply and capacity permits. The Save Lives Act authorizes VA to offer vaccine to Veterans not traditionally eligible for VHA care, and others including spouses and caregivers of Veterans.

CDC advises that it is safe for people to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time. Veterans receiving care at VA who wish to get a booster shot can get both shots together during the same visit.
 

Visit VA’s Questions webpage for questions and answers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Sara Yoke, Public Affairs Officer

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