Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center begins COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
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December 31, 2020
WALLA WALLA—The Jonathan M. Wainwright Medical Center in Walla Walla received a shipment of COVID-19 vaccines just before Christmas, on December 22, and is currently in the process of vaccinating all Walla Walla VA essential health care staff.
“The Walla Walla VA is pleased to be offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to its health care personnel,” said Chris Bjornberg, Medical Center Director. “Receiving the vaccine is like having hope delivered. As vaccine supplies increase, our ultimate goal is to offer COVID-19 vaccination to all Veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”
The Walla Walla VA is one of 113 VA Medical Centers worldwide to receive the first limited supply of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Sites were identified based on the need for the vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 1A prioritization and the capacity to store the vaccine at -20 C.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was 94% effective in clinical trials in preventing the COVID-19 disease. The vaccine is administered in two doses, 28 days apart. The side effects appear similar to those of other vaccines and are short-lived.
As vaccines become available for more Veterans, Walla Walla VA care teams will reach out to enrolled Veterans to schedule vaccinations. There is no need to preregister or come to a facility to sign up.
Even after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, it is essential to note that employees, and Veterans should continue wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and washing hands often.
If a veteran is not enrolled with the VA, they can check their eligibility by going to VA’s “how to apply for VA health care” site at https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.
From this site, a veteran can apply online or download the VA form 10-10EZ form.
Veterans can get up-to-date information at http://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ and sign up to receive regular updates via the vaccine on the VA’s Stay Informed page.
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