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COVID-19 vaccines and testing

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Madison VA and Community Based Outpatient Clinics are now scheduling appointments for Booster Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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The Madison VA is currently offering COVID-19 vaccine to all Veterans, Spouses and Caregivers. We have appointments available at our main hospital and all of our Community Based Outpatient Clinics. 
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Booster Eligibility and Scheduling

Everyone that received a J&J Vaccine at least 2 months ago or received their second Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago is eligible for a booster. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose; however, the vaccine available in Madison is Moderna. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. We invite you to call the Vaccine Scheduling Line at 608-280-2160 to schedule an appointment for a Moderna Booster. We have appointments available at the Main Hospital and Outpatient Clinics.

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COVID-19 Vaccines at the Madison VA

The VA Madison Healthcare system currently offers the Moderna vaccine, Johnson and Johnson vaccine and Novavax vaccine.  Veterans can call the Vaccine Scheduling Line at 608-280-2160 to make an appointment right away.  Spouses and Caregivers can register for the Vaccine at COVID-19 vaccines at VA | Veterans Affairs. We have appointments available at our main hospital and all of our Community Based Outpatient Clinics. 

SAVE LIVES ACT – Enhanced Eligibility for Vaccination

We will provide regular updates to the newly passed SAVE LIVES Act (SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers), which expands eligibility for vaccination through the VA.  Newly eligible groups include: 

  • All Veterans
  • Veteran Spouses 
  • Veteran Caregivers 
  • CHAMPVA Beneficiaries

If you are included in one of these groups and are interested in receiving a vaccine from the VA, you can go to COVID-19 vaccines at VA | Veterans Affairs to register and indicate your interest in receiving a vaccine from VA. Signing up also will give you regular updates about VA’s vaccine rollout process. 

COVID Tests

You can 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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Q and A

VA is strongly encouraging all Veterans to consider the benefits of vaccination.  While we have some treatments that may help reduce the effects of COVID-19, a vaccine prevents people from becoming infected with the virus and this is the best way to slow or stop the spread of the virus.

Below are frequently asked questions and answers, we share them to help educate all Veterans with the most current information we have on vaccination.

  1. Are Vaccines Safe?: The process that FDA uses for identifying safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is rigorous and robust. No short cuts were taken in assessing the safety of these vaccines.  
  2. I am not worried about COVID-19, why should I get vaccinated?  Even if you are not worried about your own health, your vaccination will help stop the spread of COVID-19 in  your community.  Each additional vaccination assists in stopping the spread of the virus and helps us get back to normal life.  Even if you are not personally worried about COVID 19, you can be part of the solution to protect your family, your community, your fellow Veterans and your Country!
  3. Can I get COVID-19 from the Vaccine?  No, the vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means the vaccines cannot give you COVID-19.
  4. I have already had COVID-19, I am already immune to infection?  We do not know how long immunity lasts after getting COVID-19, so it is still important to get vaccinated. We recommend waiting 90 days after you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to get a vaccination.

Vaccines are an important tool in fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic and as we work to stop the pandemic, we need to use all tools such as masking, handwashing, social distancing and vaccination.