2024 COVID-19 Vaccines Available

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 04/11/2024 03:36 PM EDT

Dear Veterans,

COVID-19 continues to spread in our community and COVID-19 vaccines have consistently protected against severe disease and death. I encourage you to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 shot if you have not already done so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated recommendations for getting the updated vaccine in February 2024.

The following people should get an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine:

  1. Anyone who has not yet received an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine (available after September 2023).
  2. People with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions may receive additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 doses, if recommended by their provider.
  3. Additionally, for adults 65 and older: CDC recommends that adults aged 65 and older should receive an additional dose of an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, if it has been at least 4 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Adults who are younger than 65 are up to date after receiving one single dose of the most recent COVID-19 vaccine (the updated 2023-2024 Formula). Updated 2023-2024 vaccine shots are available free of charge to Veterans receiving care at VA.

Below are some questions and answers that may be helpful to you as you make your decision to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine:

Why are people 65 years and older now recommended to get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine?
Immune protection from the COVID-19 vaccine is not expected to last for a full year in persons of older age. The risk of severe disease from COVID-19 is also higher as you get older. Getting an additional dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to improve immune protection and reduce the risk for severe illness or hospitalization from COVID-19.

Why should I get an updated shot?
The COVID-19 variants circulating now are different from when the vaccine was last updated in 2022. The updated vaccines target more recent variants. Additionally, people who had their most recent vaccine dose many months ago have reduced protection against COVID-19 illness. Data show that receiving an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine increases the immune response and reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Due to changes in the virus and waning immunity, it is important to get the updated 2023-2024 vaccine.

How do I schedule an appointment?
COVID vaccines are available at most of our sites. Please see the attached schedule for the hours of operation of the COVID vaccine clinics throughout our North Florida South Georgia System. Some clinics offer walk-in appointments while other clinics request scheduled appointments. You can request an appointment by calling 1-800-324-8387, ext. 103755 to schedule an appointment for your updated shot. Our staff will help you find a location and time that’s convenient for you. 

What if I get an updated COVID-19 shot outside of VA?
If you receive an updated shot outside of VA, we encourage you to share this information with your Health Care Team.

NF/SG VETERANS HEALTH SYSTEM