President Joe Biden signed the SAVE LIVES Act into law on March 24, 2021 which expands VA’s legal authority to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans, spouses, and caregivers. We still have a limited supply of vaccine and are working to determine how quickly we can begin offering to additional groups identified in the SAVE LIVES Act. This past weekend, we began providing COVID vaccines to all Veterans, their spouses, and caregivers in Albany, Georgia. Veterans can sign up with the “Keep Me Informed” tool to get updates here: COVID-19 vaccines: Stay informed and help us prepare.

Veterans who are not currently receiving care at VA and their spouses/caregivers are encouraged to take the first opportunity they have to get a vaccine at the most convenient location whether from their employer, pharmacy, or local public health officials.

Veterans enrolled Dublin VAMC can opt to receive the vaccine at one of our sites of care by scheduling an appointment by calling 800-595-5229 or 478-272-1210 ext. 2843. We are currently running full-time COVID-19 vaccine clinics at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Macon CBOC, and the Georgia VECTR Center in Warner Robins. All COVID-19 vaccine clinics are by appointment only.

Hours of operation:
Carl Vinson VA Medical Center Main Auditorium
1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin, GA 31021
6 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Macon CBOC
5566 Thomaston Rd., Macon, GA 31220
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Georgia VECTR Center
1001 S. Armed Forces Blvd, Warner Robins, GA 31088
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Former Albany High School Cafeteria
801 West Resident Rd., Albany, GA 31701
April 10, April 17, April 24 (1st dose), April 25 (2nd dose)
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Brunswick CBOC
1111 Glynco Parkway, Building 2, Suite 200, Brunswick, GA 31525
April 8 (2nd dose), April 10
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tifton CBOC
1824 Ridge Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794
April 8 (2nd dose)
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Important: Veterans who have received any other vaccination in the last 14 days or have any COVID-19 or Flu like symptoms will not be vaccinated. Veterans must present to the same location to receive their second dose unless they receive the one-dose Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.

To stay up-to-date with operational clinic dates from the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, please visit: https://www.dublin.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp
Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA’s Eligibility web page to learn more: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

Why should you consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine now?
A vaccine will help protect you, other Veterans, our staff, and your community by lowering the risk of getting an infection. Vaccines will also slow the spread of the virus protecting families, friends, and neighbors.

What else do you need to know?
You will need to receive two doses of the Moderna vaccine, and one does of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine to be better protected. Depending on the vaccine you receive, you may need to be available to come back to the location you received your first dose in 28 days for your second dose. After you receive your vaccine, you will be monitored for 15-30 minutes prior to being scheduling your second appointment.

After you receive the vaccine, it will still be important to continue wearing a mask in public, washing your hands, and staying at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you until the virus is under control. It is our hope that a vaccine will help us all come through this pandemic together.

Please call us today to make an appointment today!

Eligibility:
The following groups of individuals and their spouses are not eligible to be scheduled or receive the COVID-19 Vaccination at any VAMC.
• Bad Conduct discharge
• Dishonorable discharge
• DVA
• 12C

The following COVID-19 Vaccination information is to provide information to assist Georgia Veterans and families find vaccine locations.

If you use the VA facilities for your healthcare

Atlanta VA HCS (Decatur)– Call 800-224-4087 to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment at Hospital or CBOC. Walk-in Johnson & Johnson vaccines on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-8pm at hospital per Director Brown. She also stated all veterans, spouses, and direct family members eligible for vaccine. Drive through vaccines at Mercedes Benz may also be available—must have appointment. For additional info see:

https://www.atlanta.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Atlanta VA Health Care System – Home | Facebook

Carl Vinson VAMC (Dublin)– Call 478-277-6762, 800-595-5229 or 478-272-1210 ext. 2843 for a COVID vaccine appointment. For additional info see: https://www.dublin.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Charlie Norwood VAMC (Augusta)– Call 706-733-0188 ext. 3632 or 3634 for a COVID vaccine appointment. (WALK-INs are ALLOWED AT HOSPITAL LOCATIONS)- For additional info see: https://www.augusta.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

North Florida/South Georgia VA HCS (Lake City and Gainesville) -(NO AGE LIMIT-ALL ENROLLED VETERANS)– Enrolled veterans call 352-548-6000 ext. 103755 for a COVID vaccine appointment. For additional info and walk-in locations see: https://www.northflorida.va.gov/NORTHFLORIDA/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Ralph Johnson VAMC (Charleston)– Call 843-789-6900 for a COVID vaccine appointment. For additional info and locations see: https://www.charleston.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Central Alabama VA HCS (Tuskegee/Montgomery)- Call 866-601-1079 for a COVID vaccine appointment. For additional info see: https://www.centralalabama.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Tennessee Valley VA HCS (Nashville/Murfreesboro)– Call Primary Care Team for a COVID vaccine appointment at 800-228-4973 – For additional info and WALK-IN COVID Vaccines locations see:

https://www.tennesseevalley.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

VA Caregivers- Call 855-260-3274 for information regarding the COVID vaccines. Caregivers must be enrolled in VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Caregivers to be eligible- https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/?utm_source=VANotify&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=covid_19_vaccine

Non-veterans and Family members

Georgia Department of Public Health– To schedule a COVID vaccine see below site and follow prompts:

https://gta-vras.powerappsportals.us/

Georgia Department of Public Heath (COVID Vaccine finders)– See the following for locations and appointment links: https://dph.georgia.gov/locations/covid-vaccination-site

Georgia Department of Publix Health (COVID Vaccine finder including: County locator, Kroger, Ingles, Publix, U-Save, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Sam’s Club Pharmacy appointment locators) See link for more info: https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine

Morehouse College COVID vaccine locations- (Age 65 and up) – https://www.msm.edu/news-center/coronavirusadvisory/Vaccinations/communityvaccineevent.php

Emory Healthcare vaccine locations- (Age 65 and up)- https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/covid/covid-vaccine-appointments.html

COVID Vaccine Information

Key things to know about vaccines – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html

Myths and facts about COVID vaccines- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

Understanding mRNA COVID vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna)- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

Understanding Viral Vector COVID vaccines (Johnson & Johnson)- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/viralvector.html

Information about Pfizer COVID vaccine- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html

Information about Moderna COVID vaccine- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html

Information about Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/janssen.html

Georgia Department of Public Health Home page. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Dept COMMANDER 19 27 Mar 2020 Letter to the Legion Family

This page is has been created to put Coronavirus information into one easy location.

——– Original message ——–

From: “Marquez, Mario A.” <mmarquez@legion.org>

Date: 2/3/21 3:32 PM (GMT-05:00)

Subject: American Legion Story on VA COVID Vaccine Efforts

Good afternoon esteemed Leaders,

I wanted to notify you that The American Legion put together a news article in support of VA’s efforts in issuing the COVID-19 vaccines. While different locations do have policies that may vary for a myriad of reasons, VA’s efforts are standardized and published through a variety of means, primarily on their main web page. As we push through this pandemic, it is my goal to push out information that will clarify confusion and enable discussions so that we or VA can answer your questions. As always, Thank you to our valued Service Officers as they too provide information and resources during these critical times.

Hopefully this does a little to clarify and support VA’s efforts. We truly appreciate what you are doing at the Department level with informing our veterans and keeping them safe.

What veterans need to know about getting vaccine from VA | The American Legion

Sincerely,

Mario A. Marquez

Director, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

The American Legion Headquarters, Washington D.C.

(202) 263-2983

mmarquez@legion.org

What veterans need to know about getting vaccine from VA

The American Legion

FEB 03, 2021

FacebookTwitterMore

As an influx of veterans seek the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, many want clarity on when and where they will be able to get their vaccines. Under a plan developed by VA in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and federal guidelines, VA is disseminating the vaccine through a phased plan.

According to VA, the phased plan will enable it “to do the most good for the most people” during this time.

Under the current plan, VA health-care personnel, veterans living in VA long-term care facilities and veterans who are at higher risk for serious complications or death due to COVID-19 are able to get their vaccines now. These high-risk veterans include those with chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, in-patient spinal cord injuries and disorders, and those with comorbidities. Additionally, family caregivers who are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible for vaccination when the veteran they care for becomes eligible, according to VA.

For more information and to determine if you’re eligible to receive your COVID-19 vaccine from VA, visit this web page. Additionally, veterans can find their local VA health facility and its current plan by visiting this VA page.

Due to a larger percentage of high-risk patients within the VA health-care system compared to the general public, it may take longer for veterans not at an increased risk to receive their vaccine. In some instances, it may be faster for a veteran to receive a vaccine through their state rather than through VA. You can find information on your state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan here.

“The American Legion has the utmost confidence in VA to balance the vaccine rollout, while prioritizing the most vulnerable veterans and health-care providers,” said Mario Marquez, director of The American Legion’s Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. “VA has assured us they will provide this balance with site-specific resources, needs, availability and local status of the pandemic.”

In order to be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through VA, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health-care system. However, veterans attempting to enroll in VA health care for the first time who fall into category 8g, will not be eligible for the vaccine as they are also not currently eligible for VA health care. This is due to a VA change in policy from 2003 which removed 8g eligibility as these veterans do not have a service-connected disability and their income exceeds the allotted amount to qualify for VA coverage.

The American Legion supports 8g reintegration into VA health care. At the 2016 National Convention, the National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 2 that called for the reinstatement by VA.

“The American Legion stands behind providing access to VA health care to veterans regardless of their economic status,” Jeff Steele, an associate in the National Legislative Division, told the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on Dec. 2, 2020.

The American Legion is also on record in recent testimony, supporting legislation that calls for standing up a bipartisan commission on veterans health-care eligibility and benefits design.

As more vaccines become available, VA plans to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans receiving VA health care who want one. If you are a veteran who is not currently enrolled or receiving health care through VA, visit this web page to apply.

For additional information, contact an American Legion service officer who is specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. To find a service officer near you click here.

Incident Report

Used to report COVID-19 to Department and District

DOL requirement for employers to pre-file unemployment claim

White Paper on the CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE SUMMARY (as it pertains to small business and nonprofits)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Filing for Unemployment During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) ACT

Coronavirus National Emergency Symptoms

TFA application procedures with the coronavirus

How to Apply for Temporary Financial Assistance

Contact your local American Legion post or department (state) headquarters.

E-Bulletin TFA Application 2020

TFA APPLICATION 2020

Pandemic Financial/Other Resources/Info

GOVERNMENT Stimulus Package Info: https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers.html New Federal Tax Deadline July 15th: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-extends-individual-tax-filing-deadline-to-july-15-11584713903 Ga State Tax Deadline July 15th: https://www.ajc.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/georgia-like-feds-will-move-tax-day-from-april-july/jjYrFFntaF7l76zNWIGA0I/ Halting federal student loan payments and interest for 60 days: www.politico.com/amp/news/2020/03/20/trump-coronavirus-student-loan-payments-139056 US Federal Gov Unemployment: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200312-0 Georgia News on Unemployment for Employers & Employees: https://dol.georgia.gov/blog/new-information-filing-unemployment-partial-claims-and-reemployment-services Georgia Unemployment Application: https://www.dol.state.ga.us/public/uiben/internetclaim/requirementPinSetup?fbclid=IwAR0wlSrYe22iD38uiXLulUlXJwc9-AgKuFUkjQEZYDvPJvuXWe8P9PJ8R2Q UTILITIES & BILLS Mortgage relief news: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2020/03/13/mortgage-relief-options-are-available-to-homeowners-affected-by-coronavirus-safety-measures/#a6c363c53ab7 https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/18/hud-orders-60-day-foreclosure-moratorium-homeowners-affected-by-coronavirus/ No Atlanta Evictions for Next 60 Days: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/atlanta-mayor-calls-on-temporary-halt-on-evictions-during-coronavirus-outbreak Just Shelter: List of organizations working hard to preserve affordable housing and prevent eviction https://justshelter.org/community-resources/ List of Banks Offering to Help Customers: https://www.aba.com/about-us/press-room/industry-response-coronavirus Comcast: No disconnects. Free hotspots. Low-income households get 2 months free service https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19 AT&T: No disconnects for 60 days, waiving late payment fees. Unlimited data https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html Verizon: No disconnects for 60 days, waiving late payment fees https://www.verizon.com/about/news/update-verizon-serve-customers-covid-19 Sprint: No disconnects for 60 days, waiving late payment fees. Unlimited data https://www.sprint.com/en/landings/covid-19.html T Mobile: No disconnects for 60 days, waiving late payment fees. Unlimited data https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/ongoing-updates-covid-19 Georgia Power: No disconnects https://www.georgiapower.com/company/news-center/2020-articles/georgia-power-assures-customers-safe-and-reliable-service-will-continue-during-covid-19-pandemic.html Atlanta Watershed: Suspending all water shut offs during this time https://www.atlantawatershed.org/customer-service/ Geico: Pausing cancellation of policies due to non payment or policy expiration until April 30th https://www.geico.com/about/coronavirus/ FOOD Cobb County Food Resources: https://cobbcountyga.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=e9bbc3e2644b46799c908b4c2c231bce&fbclid=IwAR1zao23wytLxoFdFFFLPV64W88Vqon6_lAM1-yea-tevNJwRJT0T1DrBxk Atlanta Community Food Bank: https://www.acfb.org/local-impact-map?fbclid=IwAR2Dxlt2bke70dsSct8FqCSAM2A5XvMpCMKWZqjDkjU-RplKzfsWgLFK-XY Atlanta Survival Program: Free grocery delivery https://atlsurvival.org/ Free Meals for Atlanta Public School Students: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hpQ2DP-MOyTzwQRlZW8iHKCxGz7u7JMx/view Uber Eats: Waiving all delivery fees https://www.boston.com/food/restaurants/2020/03/16/uber-eats-waives-delivery-fees SPECIFIC INDUSTRY FUNDS The Giving Kitchen: For food service workers needing financial assistance https://thegivingkitchen.org/ Bartender Fund: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap?fbclid=IwAR1iJuMYX2vKL11vLYGQ_OX8fxD_9cfInp_BEf5mVD2mievywdH8fsWifwQ Creator Fund: Freelancers/Creators, get up to $500 to help with groceries, medical bills, housing, etc https://creatorfund.ck.page/ Resources for Artists: https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/13/list-of-arts-resources-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/ Relief Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTIBIPOCCOVID19 MISCELLANEOUS Mental Health Services: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mcmuJralTP_oPB-PF3siEeJV8yiG6vuXtjHx1_4mu48/edit?fbclid=IwAR0-_pk9tRrGZdrSz9ZNWDz-D1hMYyNnNNBZ9ZeegVld4Xk6tFyZK7uwaSg Financial Planning Association: Pro Bono Financial Planning https://www.onefpa.org/Pages/ProBonoPlanning.aspx CVS: Waiving home delivery fees & 30 day refill limit on certain medications https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-announces-additional-covid-19-resources-focused-patient-access Atlanta Public Schools Updates: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/coronavirus Old Fourth Distillery: giving away free hand sanitizer during their business hours. Bring your own container and make a donation https://o4d.com/ Uhaul: 1 free month storage units for students needing to move asap https://www.uhaul.com/Articles/About/20625/College-Students-U-Haul-Offers-30-Days-Free-Self-Storage-amid-Coronavirus-Outbreak/ FREE MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT Scholastic: Free education for Pre K – grade 6+ https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html Adobe Photoshop: Free for students until May https://www.techradar.com/news/adobe-gives-students-free-home-creative-cloud-access-heres-how-to-get-it Adobe Creative Cloud: People with Adobe can get 2 months free https://petapixel.com/2020/03/18/adobe-is-giving-everyone-2-months-of-free-creative-cloud-heres-how-to-get-it/ NASA Media Library: https://www.diyphotography.net/nasa-makes-entire-media-library-publicly-accessible-copyright-free/ Peloton Workout App: Free 90 day trial https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/16/21182267/peloton-workout-app-trial-at-home-subscription Free books, movies, software, music, etc: https://archive.org/ Free Ivy League courses: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/ivy-league-free-online-courses-a0d7ae675869/ Free Online Museum Tours: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours Free National Park Tours: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/virtual-national-parks-tours No Entrance fees to National Parks: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/18/politics/national-parks-service-coronavirus/index.html NPR: Free virtual concerts https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown Paris Opera: Free live performances https://www.vogue.fr/fashion-culture/article/paris-opera-broadcasting-screening-performances-online-for-free-2020 Center of Puppetry Arts: Free tours and performances https://puppet.org/center-for-puppetry-arts-home/ Might Could Studiomates: 1 month free trial https://might-could.com/studiomates/ Download Free Coloring Books: http://www.openculture.com/2019/02/download-free-coloring-books-from-113-museums.html