ERIE — Erie VAMC received a shipment of an initial limited supply of the Moderna vaccine early Monday morning and plans to begin vaccinating residents in its Community Living Center (CLC) and frontline employees this week.

“After many months of planning efforts, we are thrilled to begin administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to our CLC residents and our health care personnel,” said John Gennaro, Erie VAMC director. “Receiving the vaccine brings hope in the fight against COVID-19 for our Veterans, staff and community.”

Erie VAMC is one of 113 VA Medical Centers across the country to receive the first limited supply of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Sites were identified based on need for the vaccine according to CDC’s 1A prioritization and capacity to store the vaccine at -20 degrees C.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was 94 percent effective in clinical trials in preventing COVID-19 disease. The vaccine is administered in two doses, 28 days apart. The side effects appear similar to those of other vaccines and are short-lived.

Even after receiving COVID-19 vaccination, employees and veterans should continue wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and washing hands often.

Once more COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Erie VAMC will notify those veterans who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 directly to inform them of their options for receiving the vaccine. There is no need to preregister or come to a facility to sign up.