Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, will be one of VA’s first 37 sites to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to Medical Center Director, Patricia Hall, Truman VA and the other 36 initial VA facilities were chosen primarily because the vaccine has specific storage and handling requirements. Those requirements include the ability to maintain the vaccine at an ultracold storage temperature and the ability to vaccinate many individuals within a short time frame.

Initially, there will be a limited supply of the vaccine. Therefore, the plan, which is in accordance with CDC guidance, is to initially offer the vaccine to health care personnel and then the center’s long-term care Veterans. Health care personnel are essential to providing continued care for patients throughout the pandemic, and long-term care Veterans are the most vulnerable patients.

As vaccines become more available, VA will offer it to additional Veterans according to CDC guidance that still is being finalized. VA’s goal ultimately is to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all health care personnel and Veterans who choose to be vaccinated.

The No. 1 priority of Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital is the safety of its Veterans and staff. Although it is encouraged that everyone be vaccinated, a COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory for VA employees at this time. Individuals who are offered a product authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization must be given the option to accept or refuse the product.

For more information, visit VA’s web page at www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.