vania-janet/multiturn-rag-retrieval-data huggingface dataset:
Vacunas Contra El COVID-19 En VA | Veterans Affairs
Los veteranos eligibles pueden recibir vacunas contra el COVID-19 gratuitamente en lugares de atención comunitaria.Descargue nuestra tarjeta de información de facturación de farmacia (PDF) (en inglés)Obtenga más información sobre cómo obtener la vacuna contra el COVID-19 de un proveedor comunitario (en inglés)Le animamos a que aproveche la primera oportunidad que tenga para vacunarse en el lugar más conveniente para usted.Encuentre otros proveedores de vacunas en sus alrededores en el sitio web del buscador de vacunas de los CDC (en inglés)

 Cómo nos ponemos en contacto con los veteranos para que se vacunen 
 

Si actualmente está recibiendo atención en el VA, su centro de salud local del VA puede ponerse en contacto con usted por teléfono, correo electrónico o mensaje de texto. Si es elegible y quiere vacunarse, le animamos a que responda.Pero antes de proporcionar cualquier información personal o hacer clic en cualquier enlace, asegúrese de que la llamada, el correo electrónico o el mensaje de texto sean realmente del VA.Los mensajes de texto siempre provienen del 80728.Los correos electrónicos siempre vendrán de una dirección de correo electrónico de va.gov.Si alguien le llama del VA y no reconoce el número de teléfono, pida un número para devolverle la llamada.
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Having mood disorders, including depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Shareable Resources on Coping with COVID-19
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Depression
Mood Disorders

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Overweight (defined as a body mass index (BMI) is 25 kg/m2 or higher, but under 30 kg/m2), obesity (BMI is 30 kg/m2 or higher, but under 40 kg/m2), or severe obesity (BMI is 40 kg/m2 or higher), can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases sharply with higher BMI.
Get more information:

Overweight and Obesity
Obesity, Race/Ethnicity, and COVID-19
Obesity Action Coalition: COVID-19 and Obesity

Physical inactivity
People who do little or no physical activity are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 than those who are physically active. Being physically active is important to being healthy. Get more information on physical activity and health, physical activity recommendations, how to become more active, and how to create activity-friendly communities:

Physical Activity
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition
Move Your Way®
Active People, Healthy Nation SM: Strategies to Increase Physical Activity
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability – Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

Pregnancy
Pregnant and recently pregnant people (for at least 42 days following end of pregnancy) are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people.
Get more information:

Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People

Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
Having hemoglobin blood disorders like sickle cell disease or thalassemia (inherited red blood cell disorders) can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
Get more information:

Sickle Cell Disease
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Family, Friends, and Co-workers: Connecting For Whole Health - Whole Health
Relationships can affect our emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being. Connections to family, friends, community, and even animals can reduce stress and improve your physical and emotional well-being.
The resources offered here will help support you as you work on your connections with others.
How can I connect with more people around me?
The following are some ways you can connect more:

Volunteer. has shown that this is a great way to meet someone and can also improve your health.
Connect. Find online and community-based support groups to connect with people who have the same medical concerns. Join a religious or spiritual community. Consider fostering or adopting a pet; bonding with a pet may increase your trust in others and inspire you to be closer to other humans too.
Engage. Help organize community events by joining a steering committee or board. Attend important community events like civic celebrations or fundraisers.
Play. Take a course of some kind, or join a hobby or interest group.

Whole Health Handouts
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Relationships and Health
See more relationships handouts →

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Vacunas Contra El COVID-19 En VA | Veterans Affairs
Para llegar a los veteranos que aún podrían necesitar una vacuna
Para encontrar lugares o grupos de veteranos con bajas tasas de vacunación para que podamos proporcionar más información y clínicas de vacunación

Puede obtener una copia de sus registros de vacunas VA COVID-19 a través del sitio web My HealtheVet o en su dispositivo móvil.
Averigüe cómo obtener sus registros de la vacuna VA COVID-19 en línea
Compartiremos con los CDC la misma información que compartimos para otras vacunas. Esto incluye la siguiente información:

Información demográfica (como la edad, el sexo, la raza y el origen étnico) que ayuda a los CDC a entender qué grupos de personas están recibiendo la vacuna
Reacciones adversas a la vacuna

No compartiremos nombres ni domicilios.

Es su elección dónde quiere ir a vacunarse.
Por favor, sepa que si recibe la vacuna COVID-19 de Moderna, Novavax o de Pfizer-BioNTech, tendrá que recibir 2 dosis de la vacuna. Ambas vacunas requieren 2 dosis para ser efectivas.
Si recibió algunas dosis fuera de VA, aún puede obtener las dosis restantes recomendadas para usted aquí.
Si decide vacunarse contra el COVID-19 fuera de VA, le animamos a que comparta esta información con su equipo de atención médica de VA.
También puede agregar la información de su vacuna a su resumen de salud de My HealtheVet para sus propios registros.
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Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
You are up to date when you get all recommended doses, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People aged 65 years and older
You are up to date when you have received 2 updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
People aged 65 and older who have not previously received any COVID-19 vaccine doses and choose to get Novavax should get 2 doses of updated Novavax vaccine, followed by 1 additional dose of any updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date.
People who got the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
You are up to date when you get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
How Well COVID-19 Vaccines Work

People who are up to date have lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated or who have not completed the doses recommended for them by CDC.
Additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses can help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination.
CDC will continue to provide updates as we learn more.

About COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines currently recommended for use in the United States:

Updated Pfizer-BioNTech
Updated Moderna
Updated Novavax

As of October 3, 2023, the 2023-2024 updated Novavax vaccine was recommended by CDC for use in the United States.
As of September 12, 2023, the 2023–2024 updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were recommended by CDC for use in the United States.
The 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines more closely targets the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. We anticipate the updated vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants.
SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers - VA News
SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers - VA News

 

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HomePress RoomSAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregiversFor immediate release
March 24, 20213:41 pm

SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans, their spouses and caregivers
 WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden signed the SAVE LIVES Act into law today, expanding VA’s legal authority to provide COVID-19 vaccines to all Veterans, regardless of their VA health care enrollment status, as well as Veteran spouses, caregivers and some beneficiaries. 
The SAVE LIVES Act removed some of the legal limits on the medical care VA can provide to Veterans, based on health care eligibility and priority groups.
Seasonal Influenza Information for Adults
You, Immunosuppression and The Flu
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People 65 Years and Older
 
What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Fluzone High–Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (designed for those 65 years and older), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
65 or Older? You and the Flu (PDF)

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Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans Need To Know | Veterans Affairs
We offer many programs and services that may help—including free health care and, in some cases, free limited dental care. We can also help you connect with resources in your community, like homeless shelters or faith-based organizations.
Find the support you need:

Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.
Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to talk with a VA social worker. If you’re a female Veteran, ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
Find the nearest VA medical center to talk with a VA social worker

 How can I protect myself against coronavirus-related scams? 
 

The coronavirus pandemic has brought new scams, including those that target stimulus checks, online tools, promises of new treatments, and charity donations.

You can take these steps to protect your identity and finances during this time:

Use only IRS.gov to register for or get information about your stimulus check (also called an economic impact payment). Remember, unless you’ve asked to be contacted, the IRS will never contact you to ask for personal or financial information or ask you to open an attachment or visit a website link.
Get more information about your stimulus check on the IRS website
Protect your information when using online tools and mobile applications. Get step-by-step instructions on how to securely access and manage your VA health care and other benefits. 
Go to our video on privacy best practices for Veterans (YouTube) 

Go to our video on authentication methods for signing in to mobile apps and VA.gov (YouTube)
Stay aware of the latest scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers tips for how to avoid coronavirus-related scams.
Get tips to avoid scams on the FTC website
Protect your identity at all times. Research shows scammers and identity thieves often target Veterans.
Learn how to protect your identity

 Will my COVID-19 stimulus check lower my VA payments?
Flu (Influenza)
For more information see the fact sheet: Why Get a Flu Vaccine (PDF)

Flu symptoms
The flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs, and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
Unlike a cold, flu symptoms start suddenly. They appear about 1 to 4 days after a person is exposed to the flu.
Flu symptoms may include:

Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches
Headache
Tiredness
Some people have vomiting or diarrhea. This is more common in children.

Symptoms of coronavirus infection can be similar to flu symptoms. If you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 talk to your health care provider and get tested.
People at high risk of flu complications
Anyone can get the flu and serious complications from the flu can happen at any age.
Some people are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. This includes: older people, pregnant women, young children and people with certain health conditions. Three of the nation’s leading, non-profit health organizations – the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association - urge adults living with chronic disease to prioritize getting an annual flu vaccine and are also calling on health care professionals to advocate for and support flu immunization in their practices. Infants under 6 months of age have a higher risk of flu complications than children of any other age. Yet they are too young for the flu vaccine.
Those who live or work with people who are at high risk of flu complications should get a flu vaccine to keep from spreading the flu to them.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccine is also especially important for:

Flu vaccine is also especially important for people at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: including adults 65 years and older, residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and anyone with underlying medical conditions.

You can't get the flu from getting the flu vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccines At VA | Veterans Affairs
When you get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA, we may closely monitor your reaction for either 15 or 30 minutes after your vaccine. We’ll also give you information about what to do if you experience any side effects.
Learn more about what to expect after a COVID-19 vaccine on the CDC website

 How we monitor vaccine safety 
 

Millions of people in the United States have now received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. Many people have reported only mild side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Serious side effects are rare.
A small number of people have had a severe allergic reaction (called “anaphylaxis”) after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. But this is rare. After you get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA, we may monitor you for 15 to 30 minutes. If you do have a reaction, we have medicines to effectively treat it right away.

Continued monitoring
Tell your VA health care team if you experience any COVID-19 vaccine reactions, side effects, or adverse events. An adverse event is an injury or harm that happens to someone after they receive a vaccine, which may or may not have been caused by the vaccine.
We’ll report this information in our vaccine monitoring and tracking system. This is the same system we use to monitor reactions to all vaccines, including those for the flu and shingles.
To get more information about COVID-19 vaccine safety in different languages, go to the CDC website:

CDC: Safety of COVID-19 vaccines
CDC: Seguridad de las vacunas contra el COVID-19

 How we use and store information about your vaccine status 
 

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, we’ll add this information to your VA health record. It’s your choice if you want to get a vaccine. Your decision won’t affect your VA health care or other benefits and services in any way.
Within VA, we use vaccine status information for several reasons:

To help with individual Veterans’ care
To reach out to Veterans who might still need a vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccines And Testing | VA Montana Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Can I receive a first dose of my COVID-19 vaccine at a booster clinic? 
 

Yes, of course!

 Can I get the flu shot at the same appointment as my COVID-19 vaccine? 
 

Yes, if available. Veterans will also be offered flu shots at their primary care appointments and can call to schedule a flu shot at 877-468-8387 and select Option 2, and then Option 2 again. Montana Veterans can find community locations to get no-cost flu shots at flu shot locations across Montana.

 The CDC says I get to choose which vaccine I receive as a booster. Do I tell the people when I sign in, or do I tell the nurse prior to giving me the shot? 
 

Montana VA is authorized to give the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  

In the past, the Montana VA did provide some J&J vaccinations. However, at this time, we cannot guarantee that we will have supplies of J&J for boosters. 

 What are the differences in the vaccines? 
 

The J&J vaccine a traditional carrier vaccine. It involves injecting individuals with an inactive adenovirus, or common cold virus, that carries the genetic code of the coronavirus spike proteins. The body’s immune system is then trained to create antibodies and memory cells that protect against the actual virus. 

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were developed using messenger RNA technology. That involves delivering a piece of genetic code from the coronavirus to host cells in the body. The body then makes copies of the virus’s spike proteins, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and develop memory cells.  

 Are there side effects when getting a booster shot? 
 

Individuals have reported minor side effects after receiving a third shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. They include: pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and fever, but are often not long-lasting. 

Data was more limited for the J&J vaccine, but some people reported fever, fatigue and headache after receiving a second dose of that vaccine. 

 What else should I know about getting my booster shot? 
 

Bring your COVID-19 vaccine card at the time of your appointment.