VA today announced a preliminary plan for distributing the COVID-19 vaccinations it will implement once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues an emergency use authorization for a vaccine.

VA has worked in close coordination with the Centers and Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Operation Warp Speed to plan for COVID-19 vaccination of VA staff and Veterans.

VA will first provide vaccinations to front-line VA health care workers and Veterans residing in long-term care units in 37 of its medical centers across the country.

The centers, listed below, were chosen for their ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures.

Health care workers will be among the first to receive vaccinations because they are at high risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19 to other staff members and patients, and their health is critical to ensuring the continued care of Veterans.

Veterans in VA’s long-term care facilities will be the first patient group to be vaccinated. As vaccine supplies increase, additional Veterans will receive vaccinations based on factors such as age, existing health problems and other considerations that increase the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19.

VA anticipates a limited vaccine supply immediately after FDA’s approval, but expects more supplies to be available in short order.

“VA is well prepared and positioned to begin COVID-19 vaccinations,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Our ultimate goal is to offer it to all Veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”

The 37 VA sites chosen for initial distribution of the vaccine will closely monitor patients and staff for side effects and log this information in its vaccine monitoring and tracking system. This is the same system VA uses to monitor reactions to all vaccines, including those for the flu and shingles.

VA will report directly to the CDC its data on all vaccine doses administered by VA. The department will also provide general, public updates on the number of people who receive the vaccination at these sites, similar to how VA posts COVID-19 testing figures.

The 37 VA sites are spread throughout the country and include:

Birmingham (AL) VA Health Care System

Phoenix (AZ) VA Health Care System

West Los Angeles (CA) VA Health Care System

Palo Alto (CA) VA Health Care System

Eastern Colorado (CO) VA Health Care System

Connecticut (West Haven Campus) VA Health Care System

Washington DC VA Health Care System

Orlando (FL) VA Health Care System

Augusta (GA) VA Health Care System

Edward J. Hines Jr. VA Hospital (IL)

Lexington (KY) VA Health Care System

Southeast Louisiana (New Orleans) VA Health Care System

Maryland (Baltimore) VA Health Care System

Bedford (MA) VA Health Care System

Ann Arbor (MI) VA Health Care System

Minneapolis (MN) VA Health Care System

Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital (Columbia MO)

St. Louis (MO) VA Health Care System

Omaha (NE) VA Health Care System

Southern Nevada (North Las Vegas) VA Health Care System

Raymond G. Murphy (NM) VA Health Care System

New York Harbor (Brooklyn) VA Health Care System

Western New York (Buffalo) VA Health Care System

Durham (NC) VA Health Care System

Cleveland (OH) VA Health Care System

Oklahoma City (OK) VA Health Care System

Portland (OR) VA Health Care System

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (Philadelphia PA)

Pittsburgh (PA) VA Health Care System

Caribbean (Puerto Rico) VA Health Care System

Memphis (TN) VA Health Care System

Dallas (TX) VA Medical Center

Michael E. DeBakey VA Health Care System (Houston TX)

Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital (San Antonio TX)

Richmond (VA) VA Health Care System

Puget Sound (WA) VA Health Care System

Milwaukee (WI) VA Health Care System

Veterans seeking additional information should visit the VA Coronavirus Vaccine FAQs webpage, contact their care team, or visit their facility website.

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21 Comments

  1. Timothy Walter santay January 8, 2021 at 19:18

    I hope I am contacted when I am able to receive the vaccine.

  2. William Taylor January 8, 2021 at 15:19

    It appears the rural community vets regardless of medical condition will be at the end of the line. I didn’t see one remote clinic mentioned about receiving any vaccine.

  3. Eugene C. Thorn December 18, 2020 at 09:50

    what about SALT LAKE CITY and OREM, PROVO,UTAH

  4. George Nelson December 16, 2020 at 11:11

    As soon as I can get the vaccine I will. Thanks

  5. Winfield Scott Arnott December 14, 2020 at 23:13

    Why not Virginia? We have a very high number of vets in the Hampton Roads area!

  6. David Rego December 14, 2020 at 19:53

    I hope to be informed when the vaccine is distributed in CT.

  7. Mike Lindgren December 14, 2020 at 19:03

    Is this semi optional? As in…I think I’ve already had it(and I’m under 45), and willing to wait for other high risk/older folks to get it first so we don’t run out or have supply issues.

  8. Thomas Steinagle December 14, 2020 at 18:22

    do you really think someone is going to reply?

    [Editor: These are the initial batches. The blog copy above answers why these sites were chosen. In time, the list will expand.]

  9. Raymond C Barlow December 14, 2020 at 15:59

    When will the Covid 19 vaccine be at the SanDiego V.A. be available for patiants 65 or older ?

  10. Virgil Waugh December 14, 2020 at 15:09

    76year vet with cancer on oxygen at home will be notified when to get shot

  11. Joni McColley December 14, 2020 at 15:08

    So then what happens to those of us who’s VA isn’t listed but have preexisting conditions? Where do we fit in?

  12. Sandy Weldon December 14, 2020 at 13:38

    Wondering why Caribbean (Puerto Rico) VA Health Care System before all the states VA facilities get theirs? For instance Iowa. I see some states get more than one too.
    Thanks
    Department of Iowa VFW Auxiliary President
    Sandy Weldon

    • Joel Scott Kolodziejczak December 14, 2020 at 21:45

      The listing was in alphabetical order. ROFL

    • Adalberto Fernandez December 14, 2020 at 22:08

      The centers, listed below, were chosen for their ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures.

      Probably because VA Caribbean met both requirements, by the way this center treat US veterans either the same rights than other veterans. Be blessed and happy holidays.
      LTC (ret) Adalberto Fernández

      • Sandy Weldon December 21, 2020 at 09:28

        LTC (ret) Adalberto Fernández I understand VA Caribbean treats US Veterans. I was frustrated to see not all states were sent the vaccine. Bu tI guess it is because they have no way to store it, so my Veteran husband may have to go elsewhere to receive it. He does have a compromising illness. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you.

  13. Gregorio Morales December 14, 2020 at 13:17

    I appreciate your preparedness in delivering this much needed vaccine. I a veteran of the Vietnam war with heart issues and Diabetes. I wish to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Please keep my name in mind after health care providers, those in your care facilities are provided for.

  14. Seidel Tony December 14, 2020 at 13:07

    Will the VA contact eligible individual recipients to “come & get it,” or will Vets have to contact the local VA facility to find out how and when to go get it?

  15. Gary Breckenridge December 14, 2020 at 12:00

    What about the old Vets that have stay at home health care? Is this based on age? Since you must be 75 to be in a VA elder care unit?

  16. Robert J Kenneally December 14, 2020 at 11:48

    Why is Va Maine Health Care System Augusta Maine not included in 1st group of VA Facilities to receive the vaccine?

  17. charles collins December 14, 2020 at 11:13

    about long beach ca

  18. Mark Stephen Applegate December 14, 2020 at 08:48

    Why isn’t VAMC in Cincinnati, OH included in the 1st group VA facilities to receive the vaccine?

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