VA New Jersey Health Care System

COVID-19 Vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two COVID-19 vaccines. VA will have a limited amount of vaccines to start. We've worked with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. Our goal is to do the most good for the most people during this time.

Currently, VA is offering COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans already receiving care from the VA, based on CDC and VA risk criteria. If you're eligible to get a vaccine, your VA health care team will contact you.

Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA's Eligibility web page to learn more: Eligibility For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs

VANJHCS Lyons Campus Begins COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution with Moderna

Lyons, NJ —VA New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons campus will begin COVID-19 vaccination by appointment, with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization for this vaccine.

“VANJHCS is eager to offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to health care personnel and Community Living Center residents,” said Christine Betros Farrell, Public Affairs Officer. “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.”

VANJHCS is one of 113 VA Medical Centers across the country to receive the first limited supply of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Sites were identified based on need for the vaccine according to CDC’s 1A prioritization and capacity to store the vaccine at -20◦C.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was 94 percent effective in clinical trials in preventing 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.

Thirty-seven medical centers began offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to health care personnel and Veterans Dec 14. Fifteen additional VA facilities will receive an allocation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of December 21.

Even after receiving COVID-19 vaccination, employees and Veterans should continue wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and washing hands often.

As vaccines become available for more groups of Veterans, VA care teams will reach out to eligible Veterans to schedule vaccinations. There is no need to preregister or come to a facility to sign up.

Veterans can get up-to-date information on VA’s VA COVID-19 vaccine webpage, which launched on December 11, 2020, and sign up to receive regular updates on the vaccine on the VA’s Stay Informed page.

For more information, please contact Christine Betros Farrell or call 201-936-7729.

• VANJHCS Lyons campus begins COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution with Moderna
• Letter from Medical Center Director
• COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
 

To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit VA's vaccine information page.