St. Cloud VA Finalizing Plans To Administer COVID-19 Booster Shots

(KNSI) – Patients of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System will soon be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. The Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention approved the two boosters offered by the VA, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, on October 21st.

The St. Cloud VA Public Affairs Officer Barry says they’re putting the final touches on safeguards and plans to get veterans boosters shots.

“We’d like to have been quicker but I think we’re going to be able to finalize our plan early this week and offer an announcement it will be a mix of in person appointments and then some other walk in clinic opportunities and look for that information to come out this week.”

The VA has approval for mix and matching booster shots. Venable says that’s why officials are being so cautious.

“Not only do you have mix and match, but the booster doses in some cases are different levels. And there’s a high opportunity for mistakes to be made. And that’s what we seek to avoid.”

Venable says if you have an appointment coming up, there’s no need to make a second appointment for a booster.

“Those who have an apointment scheduled in the month of November, you’ll be offered a booster dose in conjunction with your appointment. Same with flu shots.”

The VA has finished all of its walk-in and drive-thru flu clinics for the year; therefore, flu vaccines will be given at regular appointments or veterans will need to make a separate appointment.

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