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COVID-19 vaccines and testing

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COVID-19 boosters
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There has been a lot of talk about booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines. While the vaccines have been shown to be safe and highly effective at both preventing the disease and lessening the effects in breakthrough cases, the data is becoming clear just how important it is to add another dose of your chosen vaccine series to ensure you're protected.
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The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHS) remains committed to the safety of our Veterans by continuing to provide COVID-19 Vaccinations across all of our sites of care. However, the process and locations of the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics are changing.


Monday, March 28, 2022

COVID-19 Operational Update: Changes to Visitation Policy

The Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) continues to expand face to face (or in person) options for Veterans. As more Veterans, family members, and caregivers receive the COIVD-19 vaccines, and communities across the country experience decreasing COVID-19 cases, a new normal is emerging for our health system that includes blending in-person and telehealth services.

Safety is ingrained in our culture and is the foundation of everything we do. We have updated our safety measures to guarantee that Veterans have the best experience while visiting one of our health facilities while we continue to ensure we mitigate risk of COVID-19 in our local communities.

Effective immediately the following changes have been made to our safety precautions:

1. All clinical services (Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty Care) are at 100% capacity for face-to-face appointments. Virtual/Connected Care options are available as clinically appropriate and/or Veteran’s preference.

2. Visitation:

  • COVID/Isolation Patients: Visitation restricted
  • Acute/Critical Care Visitation for Non-COVID Patients: No restrictions
  • Community Living Center (CLC) Visitation: are permitted to two visitors at a time on designated days by appointment only. An appointment for visitation will be made by social work.
  • Domiciliary Visitation: Visitation restricted
  • Inpatient Mental Health Visitation: Visitation restricted
  • End of Life Visitation: No restrictions
  • Visitors for Outpatient Appointments: No restrictions

3. Volunteers: that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are welcomed back. Learn how to become a volunteer here.

4. Pets: Restricted (exceptions will be made for service animals)

Our safety measures for physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective attire including face mask for inside areas remain in place at all of our facilities as services continue to expand. 

 

Same day scheduled appointments for Veterans will continue to be honored as clinic capacity allows at each site; however, Veterans are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 407-631-0499. Please note the following changes to COVID-19 Vaccine clinic locations and hours of operation:

Orlando VA Medical Center (Lake Nona HERO PACT)- (New location effective 3/14/2022)

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (New Hours effective 3/14/2022)

Pfizer (Moderna no longer offered)

Lake Baldwin VA Medical Center (Blue team room 1422) (New location effective 3/14/2022)

Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Pfizer

Viera VA Clinic

Monday and Wednesday
8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Moderna

William V. Chappell, Jr. Veterans' Outpatient Clinic

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday 8::30am-4pm

Moderna

The changes listed above begin Monday, March 14, 2022. Please call 407-631-0499 to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Additionally, testing hours at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona have changed. The new hours are Monday thru Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No testing capabilities will be available on Sundays or holidays.

Appointments preferred. Walk-ins accepted as space and vaccine volume permits.

What if I receive my booster shot or third dose outside of VA?

If you decide to receive your booster shot or third dose outside of VA, we encourage you to share this information with your Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) at your next VA appointment or via secure message using MyHealtheVet.

Can I get the flu shot at the same appointment as my COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes! Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone and can be given during your same visit for COVID-19 vaccination.  VA can only provide flu vaccines to employees, Veterans and those who qualify for VA Healthcare Benefits. Details: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

Veterans can schedule an appointment at 407.631.0499 (Available Monday- Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.).

To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit our vaccine information page.

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.