COVID-19 vaccines at VA

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COVID-19 vaccines at VA

Latest updates on booster shots and additional doses

We encourage everyone who is eligible to come in for a COVID-19 booster or additional dose now. We follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on booster shots and additional doses:

  • Everyone who is at least 18 years old should get a booster shot. If you’re at least 18 years old, you can choose which vaccine to get for your booster dose. The CDC strongly recommends getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
  • Teens ages 16 and 17 can also now get a booster shot. These teens can only get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Not all VA health facilities may offer vaccines to teens under age 18.
  • Certain groups of people with weakened immune systems who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should get an additional dose of the vaccine. You must get the same vaccine for all 3 doses. You should get your third shot first. You should then also get your booster 6 months after your third shot.

Note: Not all VA health facilities have all types of vaccines right now. And facilities may offer different vaccines at different times. Confirm that the facility has the vaccine you want before you come in to get your vaccine.

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA

We offer COVID-19 vaccines to these groups:

  • All Veterans (including Veterans who live or travel outside of the U.S. and are eligible for the VA Foreign Medical Program)
  • Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
  • Caregivers of Veterans (including family members or friends who provide care to a Veteran)
  • Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits

For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran. Caregivers may help a Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help a Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation.

Yes. Eligible adolescents ages 12 to 17 can now get a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at VA facilities that provide this vaccine.

Adolescents are eligible if they meet either of these requirements:

  • They receive CHAMPVA benefits, or
  • They help provide care or assistance to a Veteran

Here’s what to know:

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in adolescents at this time. Not all VA health facilities offer this vaccine right now. And not all VA health facilities may offer vaccines to teens under age 18. Check with your VA facility before you go to get a vaccine.
    Find your nearest VA health facility that offers COVID-19 vaccines
  • The adolescent’s parent or legal guardian must come with them to get the vaccine. Both the adolescent and their parent or guardian must give their consent for the vaccine.

Yes. Data from clinical trials show that the 3 authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe in people who’ve been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 in the past.

If you’re currently sick from COVID-19, you should wait until you’ve recovered, and you’re finished with isolation to get a vaccine.

If you’ve received passive antibody therapy to treat COVID-19, you should wait at least 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

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