COVID-19 vaccines and testing
Safe care is our mission. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System offers the COVID-19 vaccine to ALL Veterans, Veteran spouses, caregivers of Veterans, and CHAMPVA recipients at no cost.
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine is now available for Veteran patients AND for all employees at all our clinical sites.
You can get your flu shot and your COVID shot at the same time (different extremities). Not only do these vaccines prevent serious complications of flu and COVID among those who are most vulnerable, but they also reduce the severity of illness and prevent missed days of work for even the healthiest among us.
Learn more about CDC vaccine recommendations.
You can also receive your updated shot at no cost to you outside of VA. You can locate a vaccine site at Vaccines.gov - Search for COVID-19 vaccine locations. Make sure to take your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card when you go!
If you received your vaccine outside of the VA, we encourage you to share this information with your VA health care team. You can do this by adding your vaccine information to your My HealtheVet health summary for your own records. To add your information, you’ll need a premium My HealtheVet account. Learn more about managing your COVID-19 vaccine records online.
For more information call your local VA Medical Center or visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
How do I schedule my COVID Vaccine?
We encourage you to get your vaccine as soon as you can. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community against COVID-19. This is especially important as new forms (or “variants”) of COVID-19 spread more quickly in the U.S.
- Walk-Ins only. No appointment needed.
Walk-In to West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Bldg. 500
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
It is important to identify to the schedulers if you have an immunocompromised medical condition, so you will be scheduled for an appropriate vaccine dose.
Who can get the vaccine?
All Veterans and their constituents can get COVID-19 vaccines under the SAVE LIVES Act. This does not include the flu shot.
- All Veterans (including Veterans who live or travel outside of the U.S. and are eligible for the VA Foreign Medical Program)
- Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
- Caregivers of Veterans (including family members or friends who provide care to a Veteran)
The VA defines a Caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran. Caregivers may help a Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help a Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation. - Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits
I am a Veteran not enrolled in VA health care. How can I enroll?
Veterans can apply for VA health care by calling 877-222-8387 or visiting How to Apply for VA Health Care.
What can I do to fight COVID-19?
Keep up the 3W’s!
It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Even after vaccination, Veterans and employees should continue to:
- Wear a face covering
- Watch your distance (stay 6 feet apart)
- Wash hands frequently
I have a specific medical condition and don't know if it's a good idea for me to be vaccinated. Who should I ask?
If you have a question about your personal medical history, please communicate with your primary care provider. You can also learn quite a bit about the specifics of the COVID-19 vaccine at our Keep Me Informed tool