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COVID-19 vaccines and testing

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VA Erie Healthcare System offers the COVID-19 vaccine to ALL Veterans, Veteran spouses, caregivers of Veterans, and CHAMPVA recipients at no cost.
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Safe care is our mission.
VA Erie Healthcare System offers the COVID-19 vaccine to ALL Veterans, Veteran spouses, caregivers of Veterans, and CHAMPVA recipients at no cost.
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Bring CDC Vaccine Card when receiving booster vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Information 

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.

Latest updates: September 1, 2022 
Booster update

On August 31, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters that protect against both the original virus strain and the Omicron variant. These updated boosters will replace the original boosters we’ve been using to date. And they’ll provide you with better protection against COVID-19. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, we must stop providing boosters until we get the updated, authorized doses.

Our VA health care facilities will get the updated boosters as early as next week. We encourage you to check back next week for information on when and how to get your updated booster.

Primary vaccine update

  • If you haven’t started your primary COVID-19 vaccine series yet, you can still get an original COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19.
  • The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for people who are at least 12 years old and have not received a COVID-19 vaccine. Novavax requires 2 doses, at least 3 weeks apart, to complete the primary series. Boosters are not currently authorized for Novavax.

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) 

       Learn more about 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

       All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when receiving the vaccine.

If you are an enrolled Veteran who received a vaccination outside of the VA, please report it to your primary care team.

NOTE: VA Erie Health Care currently offers Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

Mandatory masking remains in place for all individuals entering our facilities, regardless of vaccine status.

Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule your vaccine appointment today.
Upon arrival to the clinic, you may need to wait for staff to prepare your shot. Your patience is appreciated. 

Vaccination Schedule at Medical Center and CBOCs

Clinic held every Wednesday; times vary based on location

Erie VA Medical Center 

NOTE: The Erie VAMC COVID-19 Clinic has moved to the Urgent Care Center (UCC), at the main facility. Please follow the signage to the UCC entrance. 

  • Appointment only | Clinic: Wednesday 
  • Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule

Ashtabula County CBOC

  • Appointment only  | Clinic: Wednesday 
  • Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule

Crawford County CBOC

  • Appointment only | Clinic: Wednesday 
  • Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule

McKean County CBOC

  • Appointment only | Clinic: Wednesday  
  • Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule

Venango County CBOC

  • Appointment only | Clinic: Wednesday
  • Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule

Warren County CBOC

  • Appointment only | Clinic: Wednesday
  • Call 814-868-8661, press 2 to schedule

 

COVID-19 Testing | Appointment required

Erie VAMC offers COVID-19 testing to Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Appointments are required. Patience is appreciated while coordinating staff and accommodating previously scheduled appointments.

Veterans who have been exposed to COVID 19 and are seeking a test, we request that you wait at least 2 days – following the exposure – to be tested.

Please call 814-868-8661, press 2 for an appointment or call 1-800-274-8387 (toll free).

COVID-19 Testing | At-home

COVID-19 home tests are available from the U.S. government. 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. 

VA's MyHealtheVet provides important information on testing for COVID-19 at home, including steps to take if you test positive. Read the article online at: COVID-19 Testing at Home - My HealtheVet (va.gov).