Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are now available for Veterans through the Zablocki VA Health Care System.
The shots are being given by appointment to those Veterans who meet the criteria recently authorized by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot at least six months after their primary series.
- Ages 50–64 with underlying medical conditions also should receive a booster at least six months after their primary series.
- Ages 18–49 with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot at least six months after their primary series, based on their individual benefits and risk.
- Ages 18-64 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster at least six months after their primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Shots will be available at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, 5000 W. National Ave., in the Quick Shot clinic, located on the first floor near the East Entrance to the hospital. To schedule an appointment, call 414-384-2000, ext. 49069.
Shots are also available at the Green Bay Health Care Center, 2851 University Ave., by calling 877-204-7970 or 920-431-2500.
VA clinics in Appleton, Cleveland and Union Grove are not giving the shots at this time.
Officials have emphasized that the booster is only for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot during their primary series. It is not for those who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. FDA and CDC continue to review data to determine whether and when a booster might be recommended for those brands.
In addition, priority will be given to those who are 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and people ages 50-64 with underlying conditions. Others will be accommodated as resources permit.
As supply and capacity permits, VA will offer booster doses to all other Veterans, spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act. The law expanded VA’s authority to offer vaccine to include Veterans not traditionally eligible for Veterans Health Administration care and others, including spouses and caregivers of Veterans.
Veterans coming to the Milwaukee VA Medical Center for other appointments can receive the booster shot at that time; a separate appointment is not required.
Flu shots are also available, and the CDC advises that people can get both the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time. Veterans receiving care at VA who wish to get a booster shot can get both shots together during the same visit.
VA is also continuing to reach out to Veterans who have not yet been vaccinated. Even without a booster, COVID-19 vaccination offers excellent protection and makes it 10 times less likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.
Visit VA’s Questions webpage for questions and answers regarding COVID-19 vaccine.
