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COVID-19 vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve worked with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. Our goal is to do the most good for the most people during this time.

Change in eligibility requirements for vaccines at VA

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. This means that only Veterans enrolled in VA health care are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA.

New guidance for updated vaccines

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 and older get an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.  

If you haven’t had an updated vaccine 

You should get a single dose of the updated vaccine now. This is true even if you never got the original (monovalent) vaccine. If you have certain conditions that weaken your immune system, your provider may prescribe more than one dose.

If you already had one dose of the updated vaccine 

You may be eligible to get an additional dose if one of these is true for you:

  • You’re 65 years of age or older and it’s been at least 4 months since your first updated COVID-19 vaccine dose, or
  • You have certain conditions that weaken your immune system and it’s been at least 2 months since your first updated COVID-19 vaccine dose. Ask your provider how many doses they recommend for you. They may prescribe additional doses for you.

Please see recent Veterans Health Administration guidance on on COVID-19 vaccine information:

COVID-19 Vaccines At VA | Veterans Affairs

We based this plan on these criteria from CDC guidelines:

  • Risk of becoming infected with the virus
  • Risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19
  • Risk of spreading the virus to others
  • Risk of harm to society if essential workers, including health care personnel, are unable to work

COVID-19 Testing | Local VA

Veterans who believe that they are symptomatic should call their VA Clinic Primary Care Team for more information on COV-19 testing: 

Phone: 702-791-9024, press 2

Pre-procedural COVID-19 testing

Currently Pre-procedural testing for COVID-19 is not required. Pre-procedure testing or evaluation is available for Veterans with questions and is located at any VA Clinic Primary Care Team.

COVID-19 Testing in the Southern Nevada Community

Additionally, Veterans can receive free testing in the community by visiting https://covid.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/testing/

Additional COVID-19 Testing

Order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests at COVIDtests.gov, or by calling:

Phone: 800-232-0233

TTY: 888-720-7489

Order tests now so you have them when you need them.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing at VA.

Mask mandates continue at VA and federal facilities

Masks are still required in all patients areas of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System clinics.

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) and VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) are located in two counties (Clark and Washoe, respectively) that are listed as high risk according to CDC community transmission data.

The Veterans Health Administration is relaxing masking requirement at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, including VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, effective immediately.

Masking will no longer be required in most clinical and non-clinical areas of the hospital including outpatient clinics, inpatient medical/surgical units, and common areas such as hallways or the cafeteria.

Masking continues to be required for staff, Veterans, and visitors while in the following high-risk areas:

  • Dialysis   
  • Chemotherapy units   
  • ED & urgent care   

To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit our vaccine information page.

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