CAVHS is now offering the updated COVID-19 boosters, including “bivalent” boosters to individuals who have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series. We are also offering the flu vaccine and the COVID primary vaccine series.

What you need to know:

• The updated booster protects against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
• People who have completed a primary series, including those who have received booster doses, and whose last shot was at least 2 months ago are eligible for the updated “bivalent” booster.
• People 18 years and older can get either a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna updated booster.
• COVID-19 vaccines are no cost.
• It is safe to get both a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment.
• Receiving an updated booster will ensure that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Staying up to date ensures that you have protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19.
• If you haven’t yet had your primary COVID-19 vaccine series, you should do it now. After you have completed a primary series, you will be eligible for an updated booster two months after your last dose.

How do you get flu and COVID vaccinations this year?

• You can reach out to the vaccination clinics through My HealtheVet or call 501-257-4031. Walk-ins are welcome at our Medical Center’s Little Rock and North Little Rock campuses or by appointment at any of the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
• Both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be offered and administered at the same appointment (1 appointment, 2 vaccines) or you can get each separately.

If you received the flu or COVID-19 vaccine outside the VA, please be sure to tell your health care provider so they can record this information in your medical record