COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

The VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible Veterans.

REMINDER: Saves Lives Act beneficiaries (caregivers, spouses, adolescents, or ineligible veterans) are not eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines at VA after 5/11/2023.

The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) expired at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. The Save Lives Act (SLA) authorities also expired the same day.

After May 11, 2023, it is unlawful for VA to administer COVID-19 vaccines to SLA-covered individuals not otherwise eligible for VA care (caregivers, spouses, Veterans not eligible to enroll in VA health care, etc.)

How to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster

Appointments are required and offered at the times and locations listed below. You can request an appointment at your nearest VA facility, regardless of whether you received your initial series or boosters at VA or in the community. For added convenience, you can also request the vaccine during an upcoming primary care appointment.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-382-8387, press 2 and then option 3, or stay on the line. The call center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday.

Sacramento VAMC/Mather Clinic

Primary Care
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Martinez Clinic (appointments encouraged, walk-ins welcome)

Building 19
Primary Care
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Outpatient Clinics

Auburn VA Clinic (Sierra Foothills)
Primary Care (appointment only)
Monday - Friday
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Chico VA Clinic
Flu Vaccine Drive-Up
Monday - Friday
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

COVID-19 Vaccine
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Fairfield VA Clinic (appointment only)
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Mare Island VA Clinic (appointment only)
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

McClellan VA Clinic (appointment only)
Primary Care Conference Room
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Modesto VA Clinic
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Redding VA Clinic (appointment only)
Tuesday - Thursday
8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic (appointments encouraged, walk-ins welcome)
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Sonora VA Clinic
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Yreka (appointment only)
Tuesday - Thursday: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Yuba City (appointment only)
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

COVID-19 Vaccines

The new updated COVID vaccines are offered at VANCHCS starting 10/1/2024, dependent on supply. The new 2024-2025 formula includes monovalent (single) component designed to prevent severe illness from the recent Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2.

Appointments are available and we offer updated COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at no cost in these locations. Call 1-800-382-8387, press 2 and then option 3, or stay on the line. The call center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday.

If you’re an eligible Veteran, you can get an updated booster if all of these are true for you:

You have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, or
You received your last COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago
No additional dose recommendation at this time

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA Northern California

Veterans

All Veterans (including Veterans who live or travel outside of the U.S. and are eligible for the VA Foreign Medical Program)

CHAMPVA Recipients

Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits if established with a VA primary care provider.

Some Federal Employees

Those employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration, Food and Drug Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, or Federal Judiciary.

The expanded authority depends on readily available COVID-19 vaccine supply and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue to prioritize Veterans enrolled in VA care.

Visitor Policy

Please read the VANCHCS policies on visitation.

COVID-19 testing

Order your COVID-19 test kits on www.COVIDtests.gov or visit the COVID-19 testing schedule page.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine and a Flu vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time. Here’s what the CDC recommends:

If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.

Try to get a flu vaccine by the end of October. A flu shot is an essential part of protecting your and your family’s health every year.

Learn more about flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC website

Can I choose which COVID-19 vaccine I get?*

Yes, depending on supply. When scheduling an appointment, please speak with the clerk for your desired vaccine. Additionally, eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they initially 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.

*Vaccine offerings could change depending on supply.

I have a specific medical condition and don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to be vaccinated. Who should I ask?

If you have a question about your personal medical history, please communicate with your primary care provider. You can also learn quite a bit about the specifics of the COVID-19 vaccine at our Keep Me Informed Tool.

What can I do to fight COVID-19?

Keep up the 3W’s! It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Even after vaccination, Veterans and employees should continue to:

Wear a face covering
Watch your distance (stay 6 feet apart)
Wash hands frequently

I am a Veteran who is not enrolled in VA health care. How can I enroll for VA care?

Click here to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines?

Visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed and vaccine information page.

Who can get Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.?

The Novavax (2024-2025) COVID-19 vaccine is approved for people 18 years of age and older who have not yet been vaccinated or last COVID-19 vaccine is at least 2 months ago for protection against COVID-19. No additional dose recommendations at this time.

How is Novavax different than the other COVID-19 vaccines currently available?

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine was created using protein-based technology, like some of our current shingles and flu vaccines. With Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, the coronavirus spike protein itself is injected into the body to induce an immune response. In contrast, mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines teach our body how to make the spike protein to induce an immune response.