Situation Update
As of Friday, June 18, 2021 10:17 AM EDT
The Albany VA Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics are operational with limited services.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
NEWS-VA has just learned about the recall on Philips Respironics CPAP and BiPAPs. Your safety is our top priority. Veterans who are noticing problems with their device or any new respiratory symptoms should contact their care team immediately. Otherwise, they should continue using the device as prescribed, pending additional guidance. We are currently working with the manufacturer on a solution and will keep you informed as additional information and guidance becomes available.
In the meantime, if you would like to speak to someone regarding this matter, please contact Stratton VA’s Veteran Experience Manager Glenn Gilbert at (518)626-5331 or either of our Patient Advocates, Deb at (518)626-5307 or Jennifer at (518) 626-7125. Veterans with questions can also send a secure message to their care team through MyHealtheVet Secure Messaging.
COVID-19 Vaccines: The Stratton VA is currently scheduling ALL Veterans (irrespective of character of discharge), Spouses (including widows or widowers), Caregivers, and National Guard, Reserve & Coast Guard (including retired and those never activated). The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to VA-enrolled Veterans based on supply availability van VA/CDC priority distinctions. Enrolled Veterans will be contacted by their PACT team/Primary Care Provider Team. You may also contact your PACT team directly to check on availability.
Vaccination location and parking: Veterans scheduled for the vaccine should report to the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Parking is available at the Veteran’s parking area. Veterans and spouses can enter through the front, left doorway ramp entrance.
Vaccination scheduling: We continue to have open appointments for vaccination. However, you may contact your Primary Care Team (PACT) or our Call Center at: (518) 626-7228 then press option 2 to schedule a vaccination to save time. For those with appointments, please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your appointment in order to maintain safe distancing. If you received your vaccine from an outside provider, please let your PACT team know so we can notate it in your VA Medical Record. Vaccination events continue to be held at our Community Clinics. Updates and announcements will be made as they become available. Watch our facebook page for the latest updates at https://www.facebook.com/VAAlbany.
All other Veterans not enrolled at VA, their Spouses, Caregivers, and National Guard, Reserve & Coast Guard members can call to schedule an appointment at: (518) 626-7228.
What if I’m not enrolled in VA Care and would like to be? If you are a Veteran who isn’t enrolled in VA care yet, please call our Veteran’s Service Center (Business Office) at (518) 626-6743 and ask about enrolling for VA care to take advantage of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available at the Stratton VA. Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can also visit VA’s Eligibility web page at: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/ .
Important: Please note that masks are still required at all Federal facilities, even after receiving the vaccine. Continue to wear a mask in public, wash your hands frequently, and practice safe physical distancing (at least six feet) until the virus is under control, which will help maximize protection against the COVID-19 virus as well as limiting the possibility of becoming a carrier, protecting those you love or may come in contact with. Working together, we will overcome this pandemic.
VISITOR POLICY UPDATE: The Albany VA Medical Center prioritizes the safety of our Veterans and staff. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitation has been limited. Our current visitation policy is focused on balancing the needs & wellbeing of our Veterans and staff. We are also currently reviewing safe visitation planning for our Community Living Center (CLC) residents as well as considerations for certain cilnics. As COVID infections decrease and vaccinations increse, additional loosening of restrictions will continue as part of our Moving Forward plan. Call ahead to ensure you are aware of the latest visitor guideline update. Currently, 1 vistor per patient is allowed to accompany a Veteran to an appointment
Upon entering the facility, all visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 including temperature taken as part of screening process. If you screen positive for signs and symptoms, travel, and/or exposure to COVID-19 persons, visitation is not permitted.
Thank You to Tim Mad Dog for the information