Veterans Experience Live (VetXL): COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A. Join on March 3rd to ask your questions

2021-02-16T15:08:08-05:00

Please adhere to RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
Due to the anticipated interest in the topic, and the possibility for receiving large amounts of questions, please be patient as the subject matter experts (SMEs) from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Health & Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) work to respond to your questions. Unanswered questions will be disseminated to the SMEs and will be responded to shortly thereafter.

VA also has a COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page here: http://rly.pt/VAcovidFAQ
Stay informed about getting the COVID-19 Vaccine here: COVID-19 vaccines: http://rly.pt/VAstayinformed

Ask questions to the following experts:
» Dr. Andrea Lerner, MD - Medical Officer, Office of the Director, NIAID, NIH
» Dr. Dr. Jane Kim, MD - Chief Consultant, Preventive Medicine, VA
» Dr. Sara Oliver, MD, MSPH, LCDR - U.S. Public Health Service, Vaccine Task Force, CDC

Access to critical Veteran COVID-19 Vaccine information:
» COVID-19 Vaccines for Veterans: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
» Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/
» CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/ index.html
» HHS National Institute of Health Research: https://covid19.nih.gov

NIAID conducts and supports research at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. NIAID scientists and grantees are working to rapidly develop COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. These projects include conducting basic research and developing animal models to understand how the virus infects cells and causes disease, and what interventions can prevent and stop the spread of disease, as well as clinical trials evaluating therapies and vaccine candidates.

About the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP) https://www.prevention.va.gov provides leadership for Department of Veterans Affairs’ national COVID-19 vaccine planning and rollout across the country. NCP leads a multi-disciplinary team that coordinates the VA’s COVID-19 vaccine communication, allocation and distribution efforts.

NCP is a field-based national program of VA’s Office of Patient Care Services that
strives to improve the quality of life for Veterans. NCP provides health care resources
for Veterans (https://www.prevention.va.gov/For_Veterans_and_the_Public.asp) and the public relating to disease prevention and healthy living, including links to other VA and government resources. NCP provides VA clinicians with evidence-based clinician training (https://www.prevention.va.gov/For_Clinicians/), guidance, tools and resources including clinician fact sheets, patient handouts and VA- and government-wide resources to support the delivery of high-quality health promotion and disease prevention services.

NCP also produces publications including VHA Prevention Policies and Guides (https://www.prevention.va.gov/Publications/VHA_Prevention_Policies_and_Guidelines.asp), as well as its annual NCP Highlights (https://www.prevention.va.gov/Publications/) that summarizes NCP activities and accomplishments.

CDC is focused on getting Americans vaccinated and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. A strong, nationally coordinated approach is critical to ensuring ALL individuals who wish to receive vaccine can receive it. Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of five federal agencies receiving a direct allocation of vaccine from the federal government to vaccinate their frontline workforce and persons in their care. CDC has been assisting VA with planning for this direct allocation of vaccine to VA for staff and veterans by providing technical assistance to VA planners on vaccine prioritization, storage and handling, IT systems, administration and communications. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/

Team Up Against COVID-19! Register now to submit additional questions to be answered on March 4th by Dr. Fauci here: https://rly.pt/3snlqZn

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Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 16 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-02-16T18:45:03-05:00

I have had an uphill battle explaining the vaccine benifits with several close family members and fellow veterans. What is the biggest objection you’re hearing from veterans and how are you going about addressing it?

Response by CPT David Gowel made Feb 17 at 2021 11:00 AM

2021-02-17T11:00:00-05:00

First, thank you for what you are doing to help us stay safe, keep our loved ones alive, and get back to life as usual asap. My question is around wasted vaccine doses. How can we deploy new practices to keep them from being wasted (if doses are still being wasted)? Can there be standby systems where people get text alerts if there are unused & about to expire doses, can we wait in our cars at hospital parking lots at certain times of the days, can extra doses be driven to local schools for teachers at a certain time each day, etc.?

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 17 at 2021 11:09 AM

2021-02-17T11:09:25-05:00

Thank you for the information!

Response by SSgt Chad Robb made Feb 17 at 2021 6:46 PM

2021-02-17T18:46:36-05:00

I had my first Covid shot and it gave me a bad headache. I read online that I should not take aspirin or Ibuprofen immediately after receiving the shot, so I just suffered through the headache for two days. I go back this week for my second shot this week. Can I take any pain medication if I have the same symptoms after receiving the shot.

Response by SrA Kevin Rooney made Feb 17 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-02-17T18:59:50-05:00

I have read numerous studies showing people getting Covid or zinc deficient in vitamin D deficient. Why doesn’t the VA push these vitamins for its veterans. Also very important the right kinds of these vitamins. Colloidal forms seem to be the best. A recent article from the Cleveland clinic showed no significant decrease yet the form of zinc they were using in other studies have shown to bePretty much useless.

Response by Sgt Steve Lehman made Feb 17 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-02-17T19:38:21-05:00

My question concerns the time it is taking to receive the vaccine. I am 69 and my wife is 70. She has already received her first shot. I have absolutely no idea when the vaccine will be available to me. Why is the VA behind the states in distributing the vaccine.

Response by Joan- McQueen made Feb 17 at 2021 7:44 PM

2021-02-17T19:44:20-05:00

I have had my thyroid removed is this safe to take for me and if so may I request the phi zen shots. Thank you

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2021 8:28 PM

2021-02-17T20:28:40-05:00

What resources and study do you have and what studies have been successfully conducted on a vaccine that doesn’t really address a virus that hasn’t been properly studied to be a vaccine?

Response by PO3 Tyree Shakur made Feb 17 at 2021 9:18 PM

2021-02-17T21:18:57-05:00

I 100% service connected disable , am 68 years old with underlying conditions , when can I get my virus shot at the VA

Response by SPC Lynda Gates made Feb 17 at 2021 9:47 PM

2021-02-17T21:47:05-05:00

When can I get my shot?
I'm 60 and live near Fresno.
How long do they think it last?
Is it effective against the variants?

Response by SPC Lynda Gates made Feb 17 at 2021 9:52 PM

2021-02-17T21:52:51-05:00

I suffer from cluster migraines. I get botox shots. I take Sumatriptan shots and imitrex pills. When I get the shot and get headaches what can I go since they are very severe

Response by PO3 Edwin Howard made Feb 17 at 2021 10:00 PM

2021-02-17T22:00:05-05:00

I appreciate having a forum that enables us to ask questions, thank you. My question (really three) is When will it be known if/when COVID-19 vaccine booster shots will be required? How often? What is the VA's plan for this possible eventuality?

Response by Sgt JoDawn Brehm made Feb 17 at 2021 10:49 PM

2021-02-17T22:49:31-05:00

So who can explain to me why the VA isn’t following the CDC guidelines for who is to receive the vaccine. I fall under the 1A group as a nurse, who is in the field swabbing anywhere from 3-10 Covid positive patients a day, as well as the 1B group as I am a disabled veteran with co-mobilities at the age of 50. I have been informed because I do not work for the VA and I am not 70 years or older I am not qualified to receive the vaccine and as soon as my age come up then they will notify me that I can get the vaccine. Why is this the case? Someone please explain this to me!!

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Feb 17 at 2021 11:09 PM

2021-02-17T23:09:00-05:00

Considering what I've been immunized against during my time in service... '76 thru '07 AD Army & USAR.... is there really any need for this anti-viral immunization?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2021 12:31 AM

2021-02-18T00:31:35-05:00

when does the VA run out of 65 and older test subjects. Seems there's an awful big crowd getting the beat down virus. I'm just saying, I've got an elderly mother and she's not Uncle Sam property and is still waiting for the shot. What gives ??

Response by PO2 Chris Winfield made Feb 18 at 2021 1:54 AM

2021-02-18T01:54:52-05:00

When will the C19 vaccine be available to a larger number of veterans in the VA Health Care System who live in rural areas? I have underlying health conditions, and can't even get the vaccine in Oregon from either the VA or the state.

Response by Sgt Diane Sherman Finch made Feb 18 at 2021 5:29 AM

2021-02-18T05:29:42-05:00

I want to know when can I get the COVID-19 shot

Response by SN Jessica Hayes made Feb 18 at 2021 7:02 AM

2021-02-18T07:02:33-05:00

I would like to know if there is any backing to the claim that's going around that if females still of age to have kids recieve the shots and wind up getting Covid anyways that the possibility of becoming infertile is high. I am 27, qualify under 1A (still havent gotten a text, call, or anything about scheduling an appointment). As someone who would like kids this is very concerning to me and a large part of why I was for the vaccine and now on the fence.

Response by SSG Robert Howington made Feb 18 at 2021 7:14 AM

2021-02-18T07:14:13-05:00

With all the push through media to say the vaccine is safe, why is it not FDA approved, and why lie to the Americanpeople again? I see that once the pandemic state of emergency is over we cannot use said vaccine until approved by the FDA.

Response by PO3 Allen Rose made Feb 18 at 2021 7:20 AM

2021-02-18T07:20:23-05:00

Thanks for taking my question! I’m curious about what group I will fall under because I’m 53 years old and I have Diabetes and High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol and I consider myself to be in a group of people that if I catch the Coronavirus that I will be one of the people that have a very difficult time with the virus as far as how sick I will become due to my underlying health problems!
So my question is what group of people do I fall under for it to be my turn to receive the virus and also since I’m 75 miles from the nearest VA Hospital will they make me an appointment or will they send a batch of the vaccine to my local outpatient clinic for me to the vaccine at?

Response by PO1 Sherry Michel made Feb 18 at 2021 7:33 AM

2021-02-18T07:33:47-05:00

I would like to know exactly what is in this injection.

Response by LCpl Laurence Puco made Feb 18 at 2021 7:51 AM

2021-02-18T07:51:29-05:00

Thank you for all the information, keep up the good work, at least at the local level, JAX CBOC, NC.

Response by A1C Jj Birchard made Feb 18 at 2021 8:54 AM

2021-02-18T08:54:44-05:00

Can my wife get a shot with me when we finally get to get one?

Response by TSgt Gary Garvin made Feb 18 at 2021 9:08 AM

2021-02-18T09:08:33-05:00

My wife and I had both shots and are doing great!

Response by CW2 Vincent Johnson made Feb 18 at 2021 9:22 AM

2021-02-18T09:22:08-05:00

I am a retired veteran and am trying to find somewhere that I can get a COVID vaccination. I live in Austin Texas. Can you direct me to somewhere that I can get the shot?

Response by SSgt Andrew Hopkins made Feb 18 at 2021 9:22 AM

2021-02-18T09:22:32-05:00

I'm a front line worker, driving for Lyft and working at Whole Foods in Colorado but haven't received notifications on when I can get the vaccine. Is this because I'm 56? My parents got it but they're not exposed to the public on a daily basis like I am.
Also, how soon will the one shot vaccine like Johnson & Johnson be available for me to take here in Denver, CO?

Response by PO3 Charity Ann G made Feb 18 at 2021 9:33 AM

2021-02-18T09:33:25-05:00

Oven read multiple studies that contradict themselves with in paragraphs.

They say that the COVID19 vaccine is not a live virus, because 1: the COVID is not a “virus” but a protein.
2: Same paper states that while the vaccine is. It a live virus, the chance of the recipient developing COVID and shedding LIVE viruses could be a risk.

Which in my 13 years of working in medicine means...

You can spread it after being vaccinated while you are processing the viral load!?

I thought this was just ann
“RNA messenger”.

So which is it?!
What is the potential for those who have not been vaccinated or developed covid to become sick from someone who has been vaccinated!?

And what over all is the testing numbers on pregnant and nursing women?

And will there be routine follow ups on health, blood work and fertility 3-6-9 and 12 months post injection?

Who is following the millions of people getting the vaccine? Researching the long term side effects!?

Thank you.
Spent 13 years in epidemiology and family medicine.

Response by SGT Timothy Lovell made Feb 18 at 2021 9:37 AM

2021-02-18T09:37:13-05:00

What is the estimated end date for all vaccine given and if there are wasted beung wasted what steps are being in place to get them to the areas that veterans are still have not received?

Response by PO3 Charity Ann G made Feb 18 at 2021 9:51 AM

2021-02-18T09:51:41-05:00

Will there be an active vaccine injury plan and compensation for those who do have severe side effects and or death?

Is there a plan for F/U and clinical data on ALL of those who receive the non FDA approved vaccine?

Response by LtCol Julio Villalba made Feb 18 at 2021 10:36 AM

2021-02-18T10:36:36-05:00

What is being done to help veterans with at risk health issues under 65 years old so that may get the vaccine sooner? I live in Central Florida where there are many veterans with health risk issues but they are being turned away by the VA. In my neighborhood alone there are three veterans in this category. One has had triple by-pass surgery one year ago for coronary problems, another is diabetic with kidney issues, and myself with high blood pressure, kidney issues and coronary problems. All of us are between 59 to 64 YOA, yet the VA is telling us "no vaccine for you". I use the analogy that "it's a ticking time bomb", when we get COVID it's not going to end well because of our current condition.

Response by PO3 Kevin Mitchell made Feb 18 at 2021 11:36 AM

2021-02-18T11:36:09-05:00

What was original question?

Response by CW2 Randy Sparks made Feb 18 at 2021 12:15 PM

2021-02-18T12:15:04-05:00

Is it looking like a second round of vaccines or another vaccine will need to be developed to be needed down the line to fight COVID?

Response by CW2 Randy Sparks made Feb 18 at 2021 12:16 PM

2021-02-18T12:16:01-05:00

Is it looking like a second vaccine will need to be developed for COVID ?

Response by Marilyn Kenoly made Mar 3 at 2021 10:28 AM

2021-03-03T10:28:20-05:00

First, I'd like to thank all of you for your service and keeping us safe from both within as well as outside!!! My question relates to those military families who have fallen behind on their mortgages. What, if anything, can be done to help us? I am making payments but the interest is killing us!! My husband was Air Force 100% disabled Vietnam veteran service-connected. My mother was the wife of WWII Army 100% connected veteran. I was the caretaker for both. Both passed the same year 5 months apart and then came Covid-19. I am at the point where I want to speak to the actual investor!! I only get letters from the service provider and the VA contact continues to refer me back to the service provider. I appreciate forbearance but that will end at some point. I am inundated with calls and letters regarding the IRRL;however, I'm told you have to pay 6 months on time. Everything else is relaxed as far as credit check, income, out of pocket. Why can't the 6 month requirement be relaxed for us?? Of course, my income took a hit; however, I have enough income if I could bring the loan current. Thanks so much for listening and let's put our heads together to help these families. We are all Americans. We can do this. Save our homes!!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2021 1:46 PM

2021-03-03T13:46:50-05:00

For those that contracted and recovered from Covid-19, does 1 dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provide ~95% effectiveness in reducing the risk of getting COVID-19 again and/or transmitting to others, or is that 95% only reached after completing the 2 shot series...2 week waiting period?

Response by Andrea Lerner made Mar 3 at 2021 3:01 PM

2021-03-03T15:01:04-05:00

Hello, my name is Andrea Lerner. I am an infectious diseases physician and medical officer at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-03-03T15:07:01-05:00

Good afternoon everyone! My name is Jane Kim. I am a general internist and preventive medicine physician who works for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I am the lead for the COVID-19 vaccine national planning team for VHA.

Response by CAPT Virginia Beeson made Mar 3 at 2021 3:08 PM

2021-03-03T15:08:22-05:00

Will there be a presentation at 3:00?

Response by Andi Martinez made Mar 3 at 2021 3:09 PM

2021-03-03T15:09:49-05:00

Thank you everyone for joining today's event. Please share your COVID-19 Vaccine questions now! Thank you for your patience as our team of VA, CDC, and NIAID experts address your questions.

Response by Sara Oliver made Mar 3 at 2021 3:12 PM

2021-03-03T15:12:16-05:00

Hello! My name is Sara Oliver. I'm a LCDR in the US Public Heath Service, and a Medical Officer at CDC. I am a pediatric infectious disease physician and lead the ACIP COVID-19 vaccines Work Group.

Response by Andi Martinez made Mar 3 at 2021 3:13 PM

2021-03-03T15:13:27-05:00

Please check out the VA Welcome Kit for any questions on access to any VA health or benefits services. We also have many VA Quick Start Guides to get you started. https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/

Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 3:18 PM

2021-03-03T15:18:04-05:00

Here are some great resources for Veterans:

Sign up for VA’s Keep Me Informed tool https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed

COVID-19 vaccines at VA website https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ where Veterans can also sign up to stay informed about VA’s COVID-19 vaccine plans

To send a secure message to your VA health care team: https://www.va.gov/health-care/secure-messaging/

VA’s Access to Care site: To see status of VA COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 cases
https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/Healthcare/COVID19NationalSummary

To see if your local VA facility has available vaccine, please go to the local facility website. From the left column, choose “Health Care Services.” From the dropdown menu, choose “COVID-19 Vaccines.”

To find your local VA location: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

VA COVID-19 Vaccination Plan https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/n-coronavirus/VHA-COVID-Vaccine- Plan-14Dec2020.pdf

COVID-19 vaccines: Stay informed and help us prepare

We’re working to get COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans as quickly and safely as possible based on CDC guidelines and available supply. Stay informed and help us prepare.

Response by CDR Tim O'Hara made Mar 3 at 2021 3:47 PM

2021-03-03T15:47:57-05:00

Hello, and thank you all for taking our questions! My question is: it appears that the mRNA component is encapsulated in a lipid "bubble" so theoretically could bind to and be incorporated into any of our cells it encounters. If true, can this potentially lead to an autoimmune problem, and how does the cell turn off the mRNA from continuing to produce the spike protein? - thank you so much!!

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 3:51 PM

2021-03-03T15:51:34-05:00

We're really excited to be offering a third vaccine in VA starting this week. This will allow VA to move toward our goal of offering vaccine to all Veterans interested in protection from COVID-19. We encourage you to get your vaccine as soon as it is made available to you. Sign up for VA’s Keep Me Informed tool https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed and get more information on COVID-19 vaccines at VA website https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/

COVID-19 vaccines: Stay informed and help us prepare

We’re working to get COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans as quickly and safely as possible based on CDC guidelines and available supply. Stay informed and help us prepare.

Response by Andi Martinez made Mar 3 at 2021 3:53 PM

2021-03-03T15:53:37-05:00

Please sign up with VA to receive news to use and subscribe to the VetResources newsletter: https://www.va.gov/vetresources/

vetresources

Response by Andi Martinez made Mar 3 at 2021 3:56 PM

2021-03-03T15:56:41-05:00

How can Veterans be part of any vaccine trials?

Response by Andi Martinez made Mar 3 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-03-03T16:07:40-05:00

Thanks everyone for joining us today and asking your questions!

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 4:28 PM

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Veterans, as well as the public, have questions about the vaccines because they are new. Many of the common facts and myths that Veterans ask about are addressed on these CDC COVID-19 vaccine sites which address Frequently Asked Questions and common myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

Answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine cost, availability, and types.

Response by Ashley Luke made Mar 3 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-03-03T16:33:00-05:00

Are VA facilities receiving vaccines as part of the general state allocations or separate, federal allocations? Additionally, are local facilities deciding on vaccination criteria for veterans and staff or has the national VA issued formal guidance on how to proceed?

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-03-03T16:33:43-05:00

I'd like to share some good news stories of COVID-19 vaccine at VA nationally.
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/83031/va-nurse-tuskegee-daughter-urges-veterans-learn-vaccines/

VA nurse, “Tuskegee daughter,” urges Veterans to learn about vaccines - VAntage Point

VA nurse Cheryl Owens, daughter of Tuskegee, has thought about the distrust for the health care industry that lingers in the African American community.

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 4:34 PM

2021-03-03T16:34:43-05:00

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/85086/veteran-eddie-rosenblum-100-receives-vaccine/
Veteran Eddie Rosenblum, 100, receives vaccine - VAntage Point
WWII Veteran “Eddie” Rosenblum, 100, received his vaccine at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. His family fled Europe to America.

Veteran Eddie Rosenblum, 100, receives vaccine - VAntage Point

WWII Veteran “Eddie” Rosenblum, 100, received his vaccine at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. His family fled Europe to America.

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 4:36 PM

2021-03-03T16:36:11-05:00

Hershel "Woody" Williams survived Iwo Jima, destroying six enemy pillboxes. When offered the COVID-19 vaccine, the Medal of Honor recipient didn't hesitate.
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/84163/medal-of-honor-recipient-get-your-covid-19-vaccine/
Medal of Honor recipient: get your COVID-19 vaccine - VAntage Point

Medal of Honor recipient: get your COVID-19 vaccine - VAntage Point

Hershel "Woody" Williamssurvived Iwo Jima, destroying six enemy pillboxes. When offered the COVID-19 vaccine, the Medal of Honor recipient didn't hesitate.

Response by Dr. Jane Kim made Mar 3 at 2021 4:38 PM

2021-03-03T16:38:59-05:00

Veterans in rural Kalispell, Montana, received COVID-19 vaccines following an airplane delivery from Fort Harrison near Helena into Glacier Park International Airport Feb. 3.
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/84499/veterans-rural-montana-receive-covid-19-vaccine-via-airplane-delivery/

Veterans in rural Montana receive COVID-19 vaccine via airplane delivery - VAntage Point

Veterans in rural Kalispell, Montana, received COVID-19 vaccines following an airplane delivery from Fort Harrison near Helena into Glacier Park International Airport Feb. 3.