VA Boston Healthcare System

Subscribe »

Situation Update

As of Tuesday, April 13, 2021 2:17 PM EDT

VA Boston is currently vaccinating Veterans, spouses and caregivers over the age of 18 with the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. We're following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance to pause in providing the Janssen COIVD-19 vaccine at this time. This pause is due to a concern about possible rare side effects. Your safety is our top priority. We are also vaccinating individuals who fall under these criteria:

• Non-enrolled Veterans as defined in the new legislation, including those without service-connected disabilities and who have incomes above VA’s threshold.
• Overseas Veterans who rely on the Foreign Medical Program.
• Veteran caregivers who are enrolled in either the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or the Program of General Caregiver Support Services.
• Veteran caregivers enrolled in certain Geriatrics and Extended Care Programs, such as Veteran Directed Care, Bowel and Bladder, Home Based Primary Care and VA’s Medical Foster Home Program.
• Civilian Health and Medical Programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs recipients (CHAMPVA).
• Veteran spouses.

We are scheduling appointments and offering drop-in opportunities. Follow VA Boston Healthcare System on Facebook and VA Boston HC for daily updates. Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System can call 857-203-3919 to schedule an appointment.

We are following national guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VA which is different from the plan of any state. The first inpatient Veterans and staff were vaccinated on December 21, 2020 and vaccinations began for outpatients on January 5, 2021. Currently we’re using the Moderna Covid-19 and Janssen vaccines. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine requires a second shot 28 days after the first – we must administer both shots. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine also requires a second shot, but it is 21 days after the first - we must adminster both shots and we will schedule a second appointment upon administering the first shot. The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine only requires one shot. Veterans will be offered a vaccine based on clinical need and vaccine inventory. The vaccine is voluntary.

If you have symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, call our patient call center at 857-364-4418 and ask for guidance before visiting VA main medical center. You may also call this number if you have questions about getting a Covid-19 test for any reason.

Veterans enrolled with VA Boston Healthcare System: If you have symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, sign-in to My HealtheVet and send a secure message to your primary care provider or call our patient Call Center at 857-364-4418 and ask for guidance before visiting the VA medical center or a community clinic. Please confirm your appointment with your primary care provider prior to arrival.You may also call this number if you have questions about getting a Covid-19 test for any reason.

For information on the COVID-19 virus go to:  https://www.va.gov/covid19

More Information:

Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, visitation has been suspended at all campuses. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis as determined by the Veteran's care team. Virtual visitation will be offered, please inquire with your Veteran's care teams for additional information.

Out of an abundance of caution,all entering our facilities are being screened. For screening information: https://www.boston.va.gov/features/2019_Novel_Coronavirus.asp

 

VA Boston Healthcare System Pharmacy Official Guidance for Prescription Refill Requests in Response to COVID-19
 

At this time, Pharmacy is switching to an all mail-order system in order to limit exposure to COVID-19. Outpatient Pharmacy will ONLY honor emergent prescription needs for in-person pick up. Emergent prescriptions include post-surgical, emergency department and discharge medication needs. All other medications and supplies will be mailed.

Veterans may request refills and renewals by:

• contacting the refill line at 1-857-364-4419

• mailing in refill slips

• calling the Pharmacy Call Center at 1-800-865-3384

• requesting through My HealtheVet – www.myhealth.va.gov

 

Please allow 7-10 days for prescription delivery. Veterans may request expedited shipments and may request changing routine medications from 30 day fills to 90 day fills by:

• contacting the Pharmacy Call Center at 1-857-364-4419

 

Everyone is encouraged to take simple preventive actions to avoid being exposed to viruses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, please call before going to a VA facility.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the VA New England Healthcare System are paying special attention to Veteran health due to the Novel Coronavirus. This effort is being coordinated between VA, the Veterans Health Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and other federal agencies.

Visitors, if you do not feel well, please consider postponing your visit. Read VA’s latest information on the new coronavirus at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/.

To check T-Alerts, MBTA.com and @MBTAGM on twitter and Brockton Area Transit www.ridebat.com/nextbus/  for public transportation updates.

Do you have a family disaster plan?

Now is the time to plan what you, your family, and your pets would do in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. Visit the Ready America web site for information and instructions for creating a family disaster plan.