The Department of Veterans Affairs includes gender identity and preferred name in its national medical record system to help VA providers better understand and meet the health care needs of Veterans. As of June 25th, 2022, VA patients can view, enter and edit their gender identity and preferred name at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. This new feature of VA.gov gives Veterans the ability to enter information about themselves into their health record without going through a VA staff person. With this new solution, VA is giving Veterans more control and choice when it comes to their healthcare information.
VA NorCal will continue to offer initial and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans, spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients.
Second boosters are now available for those who received any primary series vaccine(s) plus a booster AND are:
50 years of age or older and your first booster dose was at least 4 months ago.
Moderate to severely immune compromised and your first booster dose was at least 4 months ago (for some people, this will be a 5th dose).
4 months out from a booster dose and had Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine for both your initial vaccine and your booster.
How to get your booster: If Veterans, spouses, caregivers or CHAMPVA recipients wish to receive COVID-19 vaccine initial or booster doses at VA NorCal, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment by calling 800-382-8387, press #4, #5, or stay on the line to schedule an appointment.
For added convenience you can also ask for the vaccine during an upcoming Primary Care appointment.
COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC HOURS:
EAST BAY
Martinez COVID Vaccine: Monday and Tuesday, 0900-1200 and 1300-1500
Fairfield COVID Vaccine: Wednesday, 1100-1500
Mare Island COVID Vaccine: Tuesday, 1100-1500
SAC VALLEY
Mather COVID Vaccine: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 0800-1200 and 1300-1500
Auburn COVID Vaccine: Tuesday and Thursday, 0930-1130 and 1300-1500
McClellan COVID Vaccine: Tuesday and Thursday, 0900-1200 and 1300-1500
YUBA COVID Vaccine: Tuesday, 1130-1430
NORTH STATE
Redding COVID Vaccine: Thursday, 1000-1400
Chico COVID Vaccine: Tuesday and Thursday, 1200-1500
Yreka COVID Vaccine: Thursdays, 1200-1400
You are best protected when you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines! We welcome you and your eligible loved ones to visit us.
Update 10/05/2021
On Sept. 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified and recommended several groups of people who should get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster. They Include:
This bill establishes the Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Veterans to consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the administration of benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) veterans, reports and studies pertaining to LGBTQ veterans, and the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs.
UPDATE: 08/18/2021
On August 17, 2021, H.R. 4845, added six cosponsors to the growing list that includes 10 others who were onboard when the bill was introduced on July 29, 2021. The new cosponsors are:
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Veterans.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER VETERANS.
(a) Establishment.–Subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“Sec. 548. Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Veterans
“(a) Establishment.–There is in the Department the Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Veterans (in this section referred to as `the Committee’). “(b) Membership. –(1) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including– “(A) representatives of LGBTQ veterans; “(B) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of LGBTQ veterans, including the specific health-care needs of LGBTQ veterans; “(C) representatives of LGBTQ veterans with service-connected disabilities, including at least one lesbian, gay, or bisexual veteran with a service-connected disability, and at least one transgender veteran with a service-connected disability; “(D) veterans who are minority group members, as defined in section 544 of this title; and “(E) LGBTQ veterans who are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces, including veterans who were involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces due to being LGBTQ. “(2) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members– “(A) the Secretary of Labor (or the designee of the Secretary of Labor after consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment); “(B) the Secretary of Defense (or the designee of the Secretary of Defense); “(C) the Under Secretary for Health (or the designee of such Under Secretary); and “(D) the Under Secretary for Benefits (or the designee of such Under Secretary). “(3) The Secretary may invite representatives of other Federal departments and agencies to participate in the meetings and other activities of the Committee. “(4) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any such member for additional terms of service. “(5) The Committee shall meet as often as the Secretary determines necessary or appropriate, but not less often than twice each fiscal year. “(c) Consultation.–The Secretary shall consult regularly with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits by the Secretary for LGBTQ veterans, reports and studies pertaining to LGBTQ veterans and the needs of LGBTQ veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Secretary, including the Center for Women Veterans and Center for Minority Veterans. “(d) Reporting. –(1) Not later than July 1 of each even-numbered year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to LGBTQ veterans. Each such report shall include– “(A) an assessment of the needs of LGBTQ veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Secretary; “(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; and “(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee determines appropriate. “(2) The Secretary shall, not later than 60 days after receiving each report under paragraph (1), submit to the Congress a copy of the report, together with any comments concerning the report that the Secretary determines appropriate. “(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations the Committee determines appropriate. “(4) The Secretary shall submit, with each annual report submitted to Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title, a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee received by the Secretary since the previous such annual report. “(e) LGBTQ Defined.–In this section, the term `LGBTQ’ means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.”. (b) Clerical Amendment.–The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 547 the following new item:
“548. Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Veterans.”.
Additionally, the community would be tasked to assess the needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans with respect to the VA’s benefits and programs and to recommend improvements and adjustments to best meet the needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans.
H.R. 4845 differs from H.R. 1596, introduced in March 2021, in that it specifically pertains to LGBTQ+ Veterans and the VA whereas H.R. 1596 seeks to establish a commission to conduct an investigation into the history and ongoing impacts of the military’s discriminatory policies and practices on LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans. At this time, H.R. 1596 has been gathering cosponsors and has not moved forward for consideration or votes. The SITREP is tracking H.R. 1596’s progress in the Congress and will be tracking H.R. 4845.
“LGBTQ+ Veterans, whether they served during the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ era, in the years following, or more recently during the Trump administration’s transgender military ban, all face unique challenges after separation or retirement,” Pappas said in a statement. Their voices “need to be heard and effectively represented at the highest levels of VA.”
Congressman Pappas is a co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus and is the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire. Along with 10 other openly LGBTQ+ members, he was part of the most diverse group of LGBTQ+ members of Congress the country has seen.
The Department of Veterans Affairs began including gender identifiers in its national medical record system in December 2021 to help VA providers better understand and meet the health care needs of Veterans.
Providing this option demonstrates the agency’s commitment to delivering care fitting the individual needs of Veterans enrolled in VA health care, including transgender and gender-diverse Veterans.
VA added transgender male, transgender female, non-binary, other or does not wish to disclose options to its new gender identity field.
“Our goal is to align the department’s policies and procedures with the president’s vision for a more inclusive government,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “All Veterans, all people, have a basic right to be identified as they define themselves. This is essential for their general well-being and overall health. Knowing the gender identity of transgender and gender diverse Veterans helps us better serve them.”
A person’s gender identity conveys essential information about who they are and may signal experiences of stigma and discrimination that can affect their health. VA health records now display both gender identity and preferred name, so VA staff can address the Veteran appropriately.
National Veterans Day Observance 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST
VA Secretary Denis McDonough hosts the National Veterans Day Observance Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony. The Veterans Day Observance will honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during war and peacetime. The ceremony starts precisely at 11 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. uniformed services. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response has compelled VA and its partners (Arlington Cemetery and Military District of Washington) to host a greatly reduced ceremony this year. VA will live stream the ceremony at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs. People can also view at this link.
Q&A with VA Secretary Denis McDonough 3 p.m. EST/12 p.m. PST
VA Secretary Denis McDonough answers Veteran questions at a Facebook premiere event at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. The virtual event will be on VA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs and https://www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealthadmin. McDonough addressed topics such as disability claims, burn pits, medical marijuana, mental health services, COVID-19 and community care.
World War II Memorial 9 a.m. EST/6 a.m. PST
Beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 11, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will pay tribute to the more than 16 million men and women who served with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II at a special Veterans Day event hosted virtually and at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. At 9 a.m., a pre-recorded ceremony will be streamed via the Friends Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WWIIMemorialFriends.
National Veterans Memorial & Museum 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum offers an online ceremony at 11 a.m. Eastern Time live on Facebook and YouTube. The program features former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Les L. Lyles; NVMM President, CEO and Army Veteran Michael Ferriter; President of USAA and Navy Veteran Wayne Peacock; and others. These distinguished Veterans and guests will share messages promoting unity in support of the Veteran community and promoting selfless service in communities on Veterans Day and every day. NVMM’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/NationalVeteransMemorialandMuseum/ and its YouTube page is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVmON_ezu70. For those near Columbus, admission is free for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military members and Gold Star families.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Veterans Day Ceremony at The Wall will be online at 1 p.m. A video of the event will be at www.vvmf.org/live and VVMF’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund/. Additionally, for the first time ever, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will do a daily virtual Reading of the Names. Each day, they will read all the names – and share the photos – of those who died on that day (for all years) during the Vietnam War. It will post at 3 p.m. ET each day starting this Sunday, Nov. 7, and go through Nov. 6, 2022. This leads up to Nov. 7-10, 2022, when there will be a 65 hour Reading of the Names at the Wall over 65 hours for each of the 58,281 names inscribed on The Wall. People can find it on the VVMF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund/, their website at www.vvmf.org/rotn and on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/VietnamVeteransMemorialFund.
This Veterans Day, join us to show your support for the service and sacrifice of military Veterans. During this event, you will learn how Challenge America leverages technology and the creative arts to improve the lives of Veterans and their families, as our program participants share their emotional stories of working with Challenge America to overcome the adversity in their lives. Our program will also include a live auction to support our work at Challenge America, featuring exciting products and experiences curated exclusively for this event. A celebrity concert will round out the evening, featuring Challenge America Honorary Co-founders, Vince Gill and Amy Grant. This will be a memorable event that you won’t want to miss. Registration is free, so please sign up today!
Local Veterans Day Events
10 November 2021
Pre-Veterans Day “Thank You” Reception – Ceremony | 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Vallejo City Hall, 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA Welcome and thank soldiers of the 801st Engineer Company and others for involvement in work on the Mare Island Naval Veterans Cemetery. POC: Erik Rzomp, (707) 648-4377
11 November 2021
21st Annual William Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Folsom, CA Folsom will honor the nation’s veterans at the 21st annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, November 11. The parade stages in the Target/Home Goods parking lot, and begins on East Bidwell Street near Montrose Drive. The parade will travel westbound on E. Bidwell Street, northbound on Coloma Street, and will proceed to Natoma Street. The parade will finish at Folsom City Lions Park with a brief ceremony to honor local veterans at the Veterans Memorial. POC: Ted Ocampo, (916) 461-6615
Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Capitol Park, Sacramento, CA Hosted by Veterans Affiliated Council. Parade @ 10 a.m. Ceremony: 1 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (15th and L streets). POC: William Franco III, wfranco25@yahoo.com, (916) 633-9991
West Sacramento Veterans Day Parade, Together We Honor Them | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. West Sacramento, CA Please join us as we honor the veterans in our community and throughout our nation! Parade begins at 10am (staging at 8am) at the OLD Westmore Oaks Elementary (1100 Clarendon) and ends at Sam Combs Park. POC: VFW Post 8762, (916) 371-7245
Veterans Days Observance Highway 50 Billboard Salute, Rancho Cordova, CA The Cordova Community Council is proud to present a community observance honoring those who have bravely served the nation in time of war and peace. “Flags on Folsom Boulevard” will feature hundreds of American flags posted on the south side of Rancho Cordova’s central roadway, paying tribute to our armed forces. A Veterans Day blood drive will also be held at Rancho Cordova City Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only. POC: (916) 273-5715
Honoring All Honor Guards: 2021 Auburn Veterans Day Parade & Luncheon | 10:50 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Parade will begin at 10:50 a.m. at the corner of Lincoln Way and Cleveland Avenue and will proceed down Lincoln Way. The parade will pause at the Central Square at 11 a.m. There will be a brief patriotic ceremony with the release of doves, followed by a fly-over (weather permitting), a three-volley rifle salute, followed by TAPS. The parade will resume onto High Street and end at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Complimentary lunch will be served to all attending veterans at the Armory Building. All others by small donation. Additional information at www.auburnveteransparade.org.
El Dorado County Veterans Day Ceremony | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. El Dorado County Veterans Monument, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA This is being planned as an in-person event. However, should the pandemic worsen and public gatherings not permitted, the ceremony will occur virtually on our Facebook page.
Veterans Day Ceremony | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mare Island Naval Ceremony, Vallejo, CA Veterans Day observance at Mare Island Naval Cemetery. POC: Nestor Aliga, (707) 853-0062
13 November 2021
Veterans Day Health Fair | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. UC Davis Willow Clinic @ VFW Post 67, 2784 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA VFW Post 67 and the Willow Clinic present a Veterans Day Health Fair this weekend. Free services offered will include general health exams, VSP vouchers, haircuts, flu shot (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), food/coffee, diabetes support, and clothing. Call (916) 572-4502 for priority appointments. (Veterans in need receive first priority.) Walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis. This is a free event open to everyone.
Honoring Her Voice: Women Veterans Appreciation Day | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom Join CalVet Women Veterans and Northern California Healthcare System, Women Veterans Healthcare for the virtual event, “Honoring Her Voice: Women Veterans Appreciation Day”. It will be a fun day filled with pampering, celebration, and empowerment. Get ready to win prizes, connect with other women veterans, and explore self-care, mindful practices, skin care, veterans rating and claims processes, and lunch will be provided to those who attend the event! Registration is open!
Veterans Film Festival: OneVet OneVoice | 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 11/14/2021 San Francisco Main Library, Kort Theater, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA or via Zoom POC: Eddie Ramirez, (415) 857-3463, sfveteransfilmfestival@gmail.com
On Sept. 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified and recommended several groups of people who should get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster. They Include:
Individuals who should get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose:
People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary vaccine series at least six months ago
People 50 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary vaccine series at least six months ago
Individuals who may opt to get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose, based on their individual benefits and risks, including:
People 18 to 49 years old with underlying medical conditions who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary vaccine series at least six months ago
People 18 to 64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary vaccine series at least six months ago
We will offer the Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccines to all Veterans, spouses, caregivers, CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act and VA employees.
Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorized as a booster shot. FDA and CDC continue to review data to determine whether and when a booster might be recommended for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines.
How do I schedule my COVID Vaccine Booster?
You can request an appointment at your nearest VA facility for your booster shot whether you received your initial series at VA or outside of VA. Please note that there must be a minimum interval of six months between the second dose of your initial series and your booster dose. Please make sure to bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card! This is particularly important if your initial series was given outside of VA. To ensure you can receive a booster dose as quickly as possible and sufficient supply is available, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment. Walk-in visits are welcome while supplies last.
By Appointment: Call 1-800-382-8387, option 8. The call center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can also request an appointment by
sending a Secure Message to “COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS” in My HealtheVet.
Walk-in: With the exception of the Yreka VA Clinic, first, second, third doses; boosters; and flu shots are available on a walk-in basis during the following hours:
Sacramento VA Medical Center Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays. Building 650, first-floor auditorium
Martinez VA Medical Center Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays. Building AB-6
Chico VA Clinic Monday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays.
Fairfield VA Clinic Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays.
Mare Island VA Clinic Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays.
McClellan VA Clinic Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays.
Oakland VA Clinic Tuesdays only 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Moderna for first, second, third doses only) 1 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Pfizer-BioNTech)
Redding VA Clinic Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays.
Yuba VA Clinic Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines offered on Thursdays.
Who can get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine at VA?
A third dose of COVID-19 Vaccine is available to patients who received both doses of either the Pfizer OR Moderna vaccine and have an immunocompromised medical condition. Individuals should contact their care team if they have any questions.
What if I receive my booster shot or third dose outside of VA?
If a Veteran decides to receive their booster shot or third dose outside of VA, they are encouraged to share this information with their VA care team.
We also continue to encourage all Veterans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible if they have not done so already. We offer first and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations at all VA NorCal locations. For more info, visit https://www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/programs/covid-19-vaccines/.
Everyone entering our facilities is screened and face masks are mandatory.
Veterans should check-in for scheduled appointments from the safety of their vehicle by sending the word “here” to 53079. This will notify your care team that you are at the facility waiting to be called into your appointment. You must use a mobile phone that is on file in your electronic health record.
Update 06/15/2021
Last week, VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) announced it will begin offering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations to adolescents ages 12 to 17, who are caregivers of Veterans or are CHAMPVA beneficiaries under the SAVE LIVES Act, on June 10 at the Sacramento VA Medical Center and Martinez VA Outpatient Clinic.
COVID-19 vaccines will be available to Veteran caregivers and those who qualify as beneficiaries under VA’s Civilian Health and Medical Program. The expansion is in line with recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration. Previously, VA was only vaccinating adults age 18 and older.
“VA NorCal is honored to expand its offering of the COVID-19 vaccine to the adolescents who care for Veterans under this new expanded authority,” said David Stockwell, VANCHCS Director. “We look forward to helping our communities move forward in beating this pandemic.”
When receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, adolescents must have a parent or legal guardian present. To learn about vaccine clinic hours or how to schedule an appointment, please visit www.northerncalifornia.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp or call 1-800-382-8387 and select option 8.
UPDATE 05/12/2021
On 05/10/2021, the VA announced it would be offering COVID-19 vaccinations on a walk-in basis to eligible Veterans, spouses, and caregivers.
Acting VA Under Secretary for Health Richard Stone, M.D., said, “VA encourages those who wish to get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment to check the walk-in hours and requirements at their local facility. Individuals taking advantage of walk-in vaccinations may need to wait for the vaccine to be prepared and will be screened when entering the facility.”
VA Northern California has updated it’s vaccine page with walk-in hours for all facilities, click here to see more.
Additionally, starting on 05/13/2021, VA NorCal will begin offering the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine every Thursday at all sites. With the exception of the Yreka VA Clinic, no appointment is needed; for Yreka, call (530) 841-8500.
VA NorCal expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, caregivers and spouses under SAVE LIVES Act
The VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) announced today it is now providing COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone who served in the military, and their caregivers and spouses, and some other beneficiaries under the authority granted by the SAVE LIVES Act, signed by President Joe Biden March 24, 2021. This includes:
All Veterans
Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
Caregivers of Veterans. For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran. Caregivers may help a Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help a Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation.
Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits.
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.
Enrolled Veterans who already receive their care at VA, regardless of age, and their registered caregivers will be able to receive a free COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine without leaving their vehicles. Veterans will also be scheduled to return 21 days later to receive a second dose of the vaccine during this event.
Appointments are required.
Enrolled Veterans and registered caregivers can request an appointment by:
Sending a Secure Message in My HealtheVet to COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS
Calling 1-800-382-8387 and selecting option 8. The VANCHCS call center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday.
Caregivers must be registered in the VA Caregiver Support Program and will be verified by the scheduler when calling to make an appointment.
The VA Northern California Health Care System is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to all enrolled Veterans who already receive their care at VA, regardless of age, and their registered caregivers.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available by appointment only at any of our vaccine clinics in Mather, Martinez, Auburn, Chico, Fairfield, Mare Island, McClellan, Oakland, Redding, Yreka and Yuba City.
Enrolled Veterans and registered caregivers can request an appointment by:
sending a Secure Message in My HealtheVet to COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS
calling 1-800-382-8387 and selecting option 8. The call center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday.
Caregivers must be registered in the VA Caregiver Support Program and will be verified by the scheduler when calling to make an appointment.
For the safety of our staff and Veterans, anyone without an appointment will not be able to access our campuses.
Bookmark our COVID-19 vaccines page to stay updated on our vaccine clinics. You can also sign-up for the VA’s “Keep Me Informed” tool to express your interest in getting the vaccine and receive updates about the VA’s vaccine efforts.
Not enrolled in VA health care? Click here to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for VA health care. Once enrolled, you can request an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. You can also call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. This hotline is the fastest way to be enrolled in VA care.
UPDATE (03/02/2021)
The VA has opened up vaccinations to the following Veterans:
Age 55 & older
Essential workers regardless of age; you may be asked to show proof of essential work status)
Firefighters
Police officers
Corrections officers
Food & agriculture
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Manufacturing
Grocery stores
Public transit
Educational sector including teachers, support staff, and daycare
Transportation & logistics
Food service
Housing construction & finance
Information technology
Comunications
Energy
Law
Media
Public safety
Public health
On hemodialysis or chemotherapy
Organ transplant recipients
With diagnosis of ALS
Homeless
Residing in VA Centers for Rehabilitation & Extended Care (CRECs)
COVID-19 vaccinations are available at VANCHCS by appointment only. Veterans who receive their care at VA and fall in one of the groups listed above are being contacted and offered an appointment to receive a vaccine. If Veterans have not been contacted, they can send a My HealtheVet Secure Message to COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS or call 1-800-382-8387, select option 8, to request an appointment.
VA’s goal is to offer the vaccine to all eligible Veterans who choose to be vaccinated. Following CDC guidance, we are currently offering vaccines to some of our highest-risk patients, including Veterans:
residing in our Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care
age 65 and older
on hemodialysis or chemotherapy
organ transplant recipients
with diagnosis of ALS
who are homeless.
Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations are available by-appointment only. Veterans who receive their care at VA and fall in the one of the criteria listed above are being contacted and offered an appointment to receive a vaccine. If you’re a Veteran who is not enrolled in VA health care, click here to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for VA health care. Once enrolled, you can request an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Eligible Veterans may contact us for an appointment via one of two methods:
Option One:
COVID Vaccine Secure Message
Login to your My HealtheVet account: myhealth.va.gov. Note: you need a Premium account to access the Secure Messaging feature.
On your home page, select the icon labeled “Messages.”
Select the Green icon labeled “Compose a Message.”
From here, filter the drop-down menu and select the team titled:
COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS.
You can request an appointment day and time to receive your vaccination.
A scheduler will respond with your appointment confirmation and or other availability.
Option Two:
Contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-8387 and select option 8. Our call center is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
If you’re a Veteran who already receives care at VA and are not currently eligible to receive a vaccine, please do NOT call VANCHCS to inquire about vaccinations. Our operators and call centers are doing their best to schedule eligible Veterans and are being overwhelmed with calls about the vaccine. We request your patience and understanding as we work our way through the high-risk priority groups first.
We understand you may have questions about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at the VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS). VANCHCS received its initial Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shipment in late December and has been working non-stop to vaccinate health care providers and key operations staff to ensure uninterrupted service to our Veterans.
VA’s goal is to offer the vaccine to all eligible Veterans who choose to be vaccinated. Following CDC guidance, we are currently offering vaccines to some of our highest-risk patients, including Veterans:
Residing in our Center for Rehabilitation & Extended Care
Age 65 & older
On hemodialysis or chemotherapy
Organ transplant recipients
With diagnosis of ALS
Who are homeless.
Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations are available by appointment only. Veterans who already receive their care at VA and fall in the one of the criteria listed above are being contacted and offered an appointment to receive a vaccine.
Eligible Veterans may contact us for an appointment via one of two methods:
Option One: COVID Vaccine Secure Message
Login to your My HealtheVet account: myhealth.va.gov. Note: you need a Premium account to access the Secure Messaging feature.
On your home page, select the icon labeled “Messages.”
Select the Green icon labeled “Compose a Message.”
From here, filter the drop-down menu and select the team titled:
COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS.
You can request an appointment day and time to receive your vaccination.
A scheduler will respond with your appointment confirmation and or other availability.
Option Two: Contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-8387 and select option 8. Our call center is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
If you’re a Veteran who already receives care at VA and are not currently eligible to receive a vaccine, please do NOT call VANCHCS to inquire about vaccinations. Our operators and call centers are doing their best to schedule eligible Veterans and are being overwhelmed with calls about the vaccine. We request your patience and understanding as we work our way through the high-risk priority groups first.
THE SACRAMENTO RAINBOW SITREP 