More than 200 Havre-area veterans to receive second COVID-19 vaccine

From Montana Veterans Administration Health Care System

Editor’s note: This version supplies the link to obtain emailed COVID-19 vaccination updates.

Thursday, 240 Havre-area veterans will receive their second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Just like the first doses, which were administered to Havre veterans Jan, 21, these 240 doses will be flown to veterans Thursday morning via fixed-wing aircraft from Fort Harrison's on-site freezer to the vaccine clinic in Havre's Holiday Village Mall.

Montana Veterans Administration Health Care System is able to provide vaccines to rural veterans with the use of fixed-wing aircraft after being selected to lead the Veterans Health Administration's rural vaccine distribution pilot program. To date, the program has brought 400 first doses to Kalispell veterans - second doses will be administered March 2 - and will bring approximately 200 first doses to Lewistown veterans Feb. 24. As VA's lead site, MTVAHCS is documenting and sharing best practices to help other VA sites across the country distribute vaccines to rural veterans.

"One year ago, Montanans across the state were grappling with what COVID-19 would look like, and how it would impact our communities," said MTVAHCS Executive Director Dr. Judy Hayman. "The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines means that we can finally aggressively fight back against the virus to keep our loved ones and communities safe. It has been uplifting to see veterans' relief and joy in being able to get the vaccine and we are grateful we get to celebrate with each veteran who receives the full protection of their second dose."

The Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses, 28 days apart. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was cited as being 94 percent effective in clinical trials in preventing COVID-19 disease once the second dose is administered. All Veterans who receive a vaccine will be closely monitored for reactions, side effects, or adverse events. The side effects appear similar to those of other vaccines and are short-lived.

"It is extremely important that each person get the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines," MTVAHCS's Chief of Staff Dr. J.P. Maganito said. "The first dose of the Moderna vaccine gives each person a minimal baseline of protection by creating some antibodies. When you receive the second dose, your body will already have COVID-19 antibodies, and your body may mount an immune response such as a low-grade fever, body aches, or a rash. If this happens, that is a positive sign that your body is able to safely fight off the virus. With the second dose, you have the fullest protection possible from COVID-19."

MTVAHCS has provided more than 4,200 first doses of the Moderna vaccine to enrolled Montana veterans. Veteran vaccination clinics have been held at twenty-three vaccine clinics at nine locations across Montana. As MTVAHCS's vaccine allotment increases, MTVAHCS will continue holding vaccination events around the state and will do so until all enrolled Veterans who want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are immunized.

"We want to remind all Montanans that our fight against COVID-19 is not over yet," Hayman said. "Veterans who receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine must still continue to wash their hands, wear a mask fully covering their nose and mouth, maintain six feet of physical distance when in contact with non-household members, and stay home when sick to ensure everyone in our community stays safe until we have done everything necessary to end this pandemic."

Enrolled veterans do not need to contact MTVAHCS or their local clinic to make a vaccine appointment. All eligible veterans will be contacted based on risk stratifications and vaccine allocations, MTVAHCS staff will call each veteran to schedule an appointment. High-risk Veterans will be called first to schedule vaccine appointments. High-risk veterans are identified as persons 75 years or older and any veteran who has a medical condition that may put them at increased risk based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) risk criteria and VHA guidance. 

If a Montana Veteran is not enrolled in VHA healthcare, they are encouraged to call 1-877-468-8387 and select Option 4 to find out if they are eligible. Unenrolled veterans are encouraged to call as soon as possible.

Veterans can follow COVID-19 vaccination updates via email by visiting https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/subscriber/new , Facebook (@VAMontana), or Twitter (@VAMontanaHCS). If a veteran has questions about receiving the vaccine, they can send their healthcare team a secure message through MyHealtheVet or call (877) 468-8387 (Option 2) to set up a time to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine.

As Montana's statewide mandate for on face masks is lifted, some counties and services are still requiring face masks. MTVAHCS requires face masks to be worn correctly at all times in MTVAHCS sites and at MTVAHCS events for all patients, visitors, staff, and contractors. As providers of outstanding medical care for our veterans, MTVAHCS is maintaining the highest level of medical precautions. If a veteran does not have a mask, one will be provided.