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COVID-19 Updates

Find all current and up-to-date information regarding South Texas Veterans Health Care System's actions to protect Veterans against COVID-19.

Latest Updates: May 12, 2023

Change in eligibility requirements for vaccines at VA

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. This means that only Veterans enrolled in VA health care are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA.

New guidance for updated vaccines

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

If you haven't had an updated vaccine

You should get a single dose of the updated vaccine now. This is true even if you never got the original (monovalent) vaccine. If you have certain conditions that weaken your immune system, your provider may prescribe more than one dose.

If you already had one dose of the updated vaccine

You may be eligible to get an additional dose if one of these is true for you:

  • You're 65 years of age or older and it's been at least four months since your first updated COVID-19 vaccine dose, or
  • You have certain conditions that weaken your immune system and it's been at least two months since your first updated COVID-19 vaccine dose. Ask your provider how many doses they recommend for you. They may prescribe additional doses for you.
Testing

We offer free COVID-19 testing to eligible Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care.

Find out how to get COVID-19 testing through VA

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Information 

The COVID-19 vaccine is offered at various sites across South Texas Veterans Health Care System to enrolled Veterans, eligible spouses and caregivers, and all VA employees. 

The health and safety or our Veterans and staff remain a top priority for VA. Vaccine remains the best way to protect everyone from serious illness. Protect yourself, your family, and your community by scheduling your appointment today. COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be effective in diminishing the spread of the virus within our communities.

Veterans are asked to bring their valid VA ID card with them and the CDC Vaccination Card.

Who is eligible for a booster?
Enrolled Veterans, eligible spouses and caregivers, and VA employees who:
• Completed the Moderna or Pfizer series at least 6 months ago
• Received the Johnson & Johnson single dose at least 2 months ago

Why is a booster important? 
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness fades over time.
• A booster will recharge your body’s ability to protect you from COVID-19

To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit our vaccine information page.

COVID-19 Testing | Appointment required

Veterans are encouraged to review each South Texas Veterans Health Care System location-specific guidance regarding COVID-19 testing:

Audie L. Murphy Campus- Veterans who are not in medical distress and request COVID-19 testing should contact their primary care physician by calling the COPAC at 210-949-9702 or their Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) by secure messaging so an order may be placed to schedule a COVID test appointment. COVID testing is by appointment only. 

Patients that present to the Emergency Department will be screened prior to being tested.  For Veterans that are tested, results are available within 1-2 days of collection. 

Kerrville Campus –Veterans are encouraged to contact their primary care physician for further guidance.  Veterans may visit the following link for community locations: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator/covid-19-testing/kerrville-covid-7728.html

Outpatient Clinic (OPC) and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC): Veterans enrolled in the following OPC or CBOC are encouraged to contact their primary care physician by calling the COPAC at 210-949-9702 or PACT team by secure messaging to schedule a COVID test with Quest Diagnostics or North Central Federal Clinic for swabbing.  A list of free San Antonio testing site locations is also available at: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing#TestingLocation

  • Audie L. Murphy Internal Medicine Clinic
  • North Central Federal Clinic
  • South Bexar
  • Balcones Heights
  • North Bexar
  • Pecan Valley
  • New Braunfels
  • San Antonio Northwest Health Care Center
  • San Antonio VA Clinic
  • Shavano Park
  • Southwest Military
  • Seguin

Victoria Outpatient Clinic:  Antigen testing is provided if patients are symptomatic. Veterans are encouraged to contact their PACT team by secure messaging or calling 210-949-9702 to schedule a COVID test due to limited resources. Veterans may also visit NextCare Urgent Care for patients outside the Victoria catchment area.  Veterans may visit the City of Victoria website for community locations:  https://www.victoriatx.org/596/COVID-19

Order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests at COVIDtests.gov, or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Order tests now so you have them when you need them. Learn more about COVID-19 testing at VA.

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html

South Texas will continue to share new information as it becomes available.

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