John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan

Local Announcements

COVID VACCINE UPDATE

VA is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance to pause in providing the Janssen vaccine at this time. This pause is due to a concern about possible rare side effects. Your safety is our top priority.

For more information, go to the CDC website. 

If you have a vaccine appointment scheduled, Detroit VA Health Care System will work with you to determine what to do next.

 

General SAVE LIVES Qualifications

The expanded authority under the SAVES LIVES Act depends on readily available COVID-19 vaccine supply and requires VA to continue to prioritize for Veterans enrolled in VA care.

These groups are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine:

• Veterans

• Spouses of a Veteran

• Caregivers of a Veteran

• Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits

• Eligible Veterans
  • Anyone who served in the U.S. military is eligible to be vaccinated through VA.
  • Veteran eligibility for VA services under the SAVE LIVES Act is for the vaccine only.
  • Veterans wishing to enroll for VA Health Care will need to complete registration through Detroit VA to determine eligibility.  A copy of a DD-214 is required by Veterans wishing to enroll for VA Health Care.

 

• Eligible Spouse
  For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a spouse to include marriage, same-sex and common-law marriages. This includes a widow or widower of a Veteran.  If you characterize your relationship as spousal, you can receive the vaccine. You must be present with Veteran in order to receive the vaccine. 

• Eligible Caregivers 
  For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to the Veteran. Caregivers may help the Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help the Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation. You must be present with Veteran in order to receive the vaccine. 

When and How to Get a Vaccine 

• The best way is to sign up to tell us you’d like a COVID-19 vaccine through VA: (www.va.gov/covid-19-vaccine). Detroit VA will then contact you when they have a vaccine for you. We may invite you to a large vaccination event (like a drive-thru clinic). Or we may ask you to schedule a vaccine appointment. You may receive an invite by phone, email, or text message. 
   
• For your continued health and safety during the pandemic, please do not visit the Detroit VA for a COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment. 

Your employer, pharmacy, health care provider’s office, or local public health officials may offer you a COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to take the first opportunity you have to get a vaccine at the most convenient location for you.

More information on the expanded eligibility is available on the Detroit VA website at www.detroit.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

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