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COVID-19 vaccines and updates

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine. VA will have a limited amount of this vaccine to start.
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VA offers COVID-19 vaccines and all boosters to Veterans, their spouses, caregivers, and CHAMPVA beneficiaries. If you meet the SAVE LIVES Act criteria, VASNHCS is offering the Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccination, dependent upon vaccine availability. If you are a Veteran not yet enrolled, although not required, it is helpful if you bring your DD-214 (separation papers) with you.
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Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA Sierra Nevada health care?

  • Veterans
  • Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans: For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we are including spouses of same-sex and common-law marriages. Eligibility includes a widow or widower of a Veteran. If an individual characterizes his or her relationship as spousal, he or she can receive the vaccine.
  • Caregivers of a Veteran: For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to the Veteran. Caregivers may help the Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help the Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation. A person stating that they are the caregiver of a Veteran and giving the Veteran’s name is sufficient to give him or her a vaccine.
  • CHAMPVA recipients

The expanded authority depends on readily available COVID-19 vaccine supply and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue to prioritize Veterans enrolled in VA care.

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Visiting the VA Medical Center

At VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, safety is more than a checklist; it’s part of our culture and the foundation of everything we do. We want you to feel confident knowing your safety and well-being remain our number one priority. Please ensure you visit our policy page before visiting our facility.

How to receive a COVID-19 Vaccine

For ease and convenience to ALL Veterans, their Spouses, and their Caregivers who are interested in receiving COVID-19 vaccination, we have the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines available by appointment at our main campus and all community clinics. We now also offer Novavax COVID-19 vaccines at our main campus by appointment. 

Please make sure to bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to your appointment! This is particularly important if your initial series was given outside of VA.

  • To schedule an appointment, call 775-786-7200. The call center is open for appointment scheduling from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday.

COVID-19 VACCINE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time?

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 as soon as possible. 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

If I’m not enrolled in VA care or VA’s Caregiver’s Program, do I need to bring anything with me to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

No, just schedule your vaccine appointment. Those who are not enrolled in VA will be asked to complete a “COVID-19 VACCINATION WORKSHEET.”

Can I choose which COVID-19 vaccine I get?*

Yes, depending on supply. When scheduling an appointment, please speak with the clerk for your desired vaccine. Additionally, eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they initially received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

*Vaccine offerings could change depending on supply.

I have a specific medical condition and don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to be vaccinated. Who should I ask?

If you have a question about your personal medical history, please communicate with your primary care provider. 

What can I do to fight COVID-19?

Keep up the 3W’s! It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Even after vaccination, Veterans and employees should continue to:

  • Wear a face covering
  • Watch your distance (stay 6 feet apart)
  • Wash hands frequently

I am a Veteran who is not enrolled in VA health care. How can I enroll for VA care?

Click here to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines?

Visit our vaccine information page.