Frequently Asked Questions
At Montana VA, we know Veterans, their families and caregivers have a lot of questions. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions.
Contact Information
Are you looking for a quick phone number or the webpage for a medical program? Check out our list below. It contains our most frequently requested contact information.
How do I contact the My HealtheVet team?
Our My HealtheVet Coordinator is Duane Cunningham. He can be reached at
How do I reach the Beneficiary Travel Department?
Our Beneficiary Travel Department can be reached at
How do I reach the Veterans Transportation Service?
The Veterans Transportation Service can be reached at
I have a quick question about a prescription. Who do I call?
You can reach our Pharmacy at
We offer limited pharmacy services at other locations. You can coordinated your local pharmacy questions with the local clinics.
Our automated refill line is
How do I reach someone in Community Care?
Our Community Care team can be reached at
Who do I call with an Outpatient Surgery question?
Veterans have two options for Outpatient Surgery questions – Fort Harrison at
I would like to enroll with the Montana VA. Where do I start?
As a new or potential Patient, you can learn a lot by visiting our Eligibility and Enrollment webpage at New Patients | VA Montana Health Care | Veterans Affairs . If you would like to speak with someone, please, call our Enrollment/New Patients Office at
And, Welcome to the Montana VA!
I need to speak with someone about the benefits that I am eligible for. Who should I call?
Montana VA healthcare staff are knowledgeable about most Veteran benefits. However, the real benefits experts are with the Montana Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. To speak with someone or schedule an appointment, call their service line at 1-
COVID-19 Booster Shot Questions
Montana VA is now giving COVID-19 Booster shots to Montana Veterans. Speak with your local health team to learn more about your options.
Why should I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?
The initial vaccine remains highly effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death among those infected. The purpose of a booster shot is to “boost” antibody protection when it has decreased over time.
What is the difference between a third dose and booster shot of Moderna?
A booster shot is for people whose immune response may have weakened over time. We offer boosters to people who completed an initial COVID-19 series with Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines if they had their second dose at least six months ago and are 65 years or older, 18 and older with underlying medical conditions, or an adult living in a long-term care setting or living or working in a high-risk setting. The CDC also recommends a booster for adults who received a J&J vaccine at least two months ago. CDC's recommendations allow a mix-and-match dosing for booster shots.
A third dose is for people who may not have had a strong enough immune response from the first two doses. We offer third doses to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromise and received either Moderna, Janssen (J&J), or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. This includes those with organ transplants and those diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have a similar level of immunocompromise. Data shows they are more at risk of serious, long-term illness from COVID-19. They may benefit from a third dose to make sure they have enough protection against COVID-19.
Where can I get a booster shot?
Currently, the Montana VA is hosting booster clinics across the state. Clinic information is subject to change.
Veterans can also contact their local VA Clinic for more details.
If you choose to get your booster shot outside of VA, you can locate a vaccine site at Vaccines.gov - Search for COVID-19 vaccine locations. Make sure to bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card when you go, no matter where you choose to get a booster!
Veterans who decide to get a COVID-19 booster vaccine outside of VA are encouraged to share this information with your VA health care team.
You can send a picture of your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to your VA provider through secure messaging.
Or, bring your vaccine card with your next appointment so staff can enter that into your health record.
You can also add your vaccine information to your MyHealtheVet health summary for your own records. To add your information, you’ll need a premium MyHealtheVet account.
I received an initial series/dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need proof of age or that I am high risk of severe COVID-19 to get the booster?
If you receive your care from the VA, we have record of your age and your risk of severe COVID-19. We will work to reach out to individuals at highest risk from COVID-19 to make sure they are aware of the recommendation for a booster. We trust Veterans, their families and caregivers, and our staff. We will accept self-reporting of your high-risk condition or occupation.
You should bring your vaccine card or record with you to your visit so we can make sure you get your booster at the right time.
What vaccines will MTVAHCS offer for third doses and booster shots? Can I receive a different dose than my last COVID vaccine?
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MTVAHCS can provide booster shots with the Moderna or the Janssen (J&J) vaccine.
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The Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control have determined that booster shots can be administered with any COVID vaccine in use in the United States.
For Veterans, who is eligible for a COVID-19 Moderna booster?
Before scheduling an appointment, patients should make sure they fit one of the below criteria:
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Are an individual who received a Pfizer or Moderna series at least 6 months ago are eligible if they are:
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Age 65 years and older
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Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
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Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
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Age 18+ who work or live in a high-risk setting
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Are an individual who received a Janssen (J&J) vaccine at least two months ago, they are eligible to receive a booster shot.
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Are an individual who received a J&J/Janssen vaccine at least 2 months ago and are 65 years or older or are considered high risk.
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Through the SAVE LIVES Act, spouses, caregivers, family members living in the same home, and CHAMPVA recipients of Veterans are eligible to receive a Moderna/J&J booster through MTVACHS.
What do my family members and caregivers need to do to be able to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine through Montana VA?
They will need to schedule an appointment by calling MTVAHCS’s scheduling line at
How will these Veterans be contacted to make an appointment? Do they call?
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Veterans who receive care in VA and are recommended for booster shots will be identified through the VA’s Veterans Outreach Tool, then contacted and advised of the recommended booster shots. VA Clinics will be offering boosters by appointment or on a walk-in basis. See VA Montana Health Care | Veterans Affairs for details.
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Veteran will call to self-schedule to make their appointments at MTVAHCS scheduling line at
and select Option 2, and then Option 2 again.
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Veterans who received a COVID-19 vaccines outside of VA, as well as those who were vaccinated in VA for whom we don’t have records of their high-risk condition (such as spouses or caregivers), may not be contacted automatically. Contact your local VA facility for information about how to receive a booster shot.
Can I receive a first dose of my COVID-19 vaccine at a booster clinic?
Yes, of course!
Can I get the flu shot at the same appointment as my COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Both the flu and COVID vaccines can be administered in the same visit. Speak with your provider prior to a visit to let them know if you would like both vaccinations. Montana Veterans can find community locations to get no-cost flu shots at flu shot locations across Montana.
The CDC says I get to choose which vaccine I receive as a booster. Do I tell the people when I sign in, or do I tell the nurse prior to giving me the shot?
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Montana VA is authorized to give the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
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In the past the Montana VA did provide some J&J vaccinations. However, at this time, we cannot guarantee that we will have supplies of J&J for boosters.
What are the differences in the vaccines?
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The J&J vaccine a traditional carrier vaccine. It involves injecting individuals with an inactive adenovirus, or common cold virus, that carries the genetic code of the coronavirus spike proteins. The body’s immune system is then trained to create antibodies and memory cells that protect against the actual virus.
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The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were developed using messenger RNA technology. That involves delivering a piece of genetic code from the coronavirus to host cells in the body. The body then makes copies of the virus’s spike proteins, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and develop memory cells.
Are there side effects when getting a booster shot?
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Individuals have reported minor side effects after receiving a third shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. They include: pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and fever, but are often not long-lasting.
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Data was more limited for the J&J vaccine, but some people reported fever, fatigue and headache after receiving a second dose of that vaccine.
What else should I know about getting my booster shot?
- Bring your COVID-19 vaccine card at the time of your appointment.
- Share your booster status with your Primary Care team if you get your booster outside the VA.
Make sure you received your second dose of Moderna at least six months ago or your single dose of Janssen (J&J) vaccine two months ago.
Masking is NOT REQUIRED inside Montana VA sites and clinics. However, some locations do have High Risk areas such as an ICU, which might require mask wear. Signs will be posted, and staff should let you know upon arrival.