10/25/2021
Facility/operational update from VA Bedford Healthcare System.
COVID Status: VA Bedford Healthcare System is experiencing decreasing rates of COVID positive cases that had originally come about due to the increasing incidence and prevalence of the Delta variant, which is producing breakthrough infections in a small but definable amount of fully vaccination individuals. We continue screening at the main entrances and have returned to full masking by all individuals within our facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Our quarantine ward has closed and we are following all CDC and VHA mandates for patient safety.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine boosters under Emergency Use Authorization. This decision follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) announcement authorizing a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations, listed on our COVID vaccine webpage: COVID-19 Vaccines - VA Bedford Healthcare System.
Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorized as a booster shot. FDA and CDC continue to review data to determine whether and when a booster might be recommended for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine(s). VA will plan to offer boosters of these vaccines if authorized and recommended.
VA Bedford is offering the Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccines in the auditorium on the main Bedford campus by appointment to Veterans receiving care at VA and VA employees, as well as all other Veterans, spouses, caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act, as supply and capacity permits. Persons coming in for a booster dose should be reminded to bring their vaccine card with them.
Note that flu vaccines and COVID boosters can be given at the same time! [Primary Care will no longer provide COVID vaccinations]
Appointment line for COVID vaccines / boosters only: 781-687-4000
Mondays through Friday, appointments are available from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Upcoming Events
VA Bedford is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair and Open House at its Gloucester VA Clinic location on Oct. 30. Gloucester VA Clinic hosts open house - VA Bedford Healthcare System.
