Situation Update

As of Friday, February 5, 2021 8:50 AM EST

Week of Feb. 8: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine Information

On Feb. 9, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines at our community outpatient clinics in Myrtle Beach and Beaufort, SC and Savannah and Hinesville, GA. Enrolled Veterans are being contacted directly for vaccine appointments at these clinics. At this time, Veterans do not need to call to schedule. Veterans ages 70-years-old and older are being scheduled in accordance with CDC and VHA guidelines based on age and existing health conditions. As the supply of COVID-19 vaccines increases, clinics will expand eligibility criteria for vaccination.

As we expand vaccine availability out to our community clinics, we will be operating our COVID-19 vaccine clinic at our new North Charleston VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 6450 Rivers Ave., on Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Veterans ages 70-years-old and older can call 843-789-6900 to schedule a vaccine appointment at our North Charleston Clinic.

Our goal is to distribute vaccines as quickly as we can and as soon as they arrive. Please continue to check our website and social media accounts for updates.

For Veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA, please call our eligibility office at 843-789-7008 or visit our eligibility website https://www.charleston.va.gov/patients/eligibility.asp

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

VA is moving forward with expanding select services at facilities across the country. As we welcome Veterans back, we will continue safety measures including, but not limited to, physical distancing, environmental cleaning recommendations outlined by the CDC, face coverings for all, and staff and Veteran screening for signs of COVID-19 infection. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to Veterans and staff. 

• Veteran patients should enter the building no earlier than 15 minutes before their appointment time.
• Veteran patients should exit the building as soon as their appointment is completed.
• Limited visitor policy
• All individuals must wear face masks while on our campuses and in our facilities.

If you are sick or have symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the VAMC Telephone Advice Program is still the best, first contact before visiting our facilities. Staff are available 24/7 for nurse advice and triage. You may be referred from VA to MUSC Health or VA clinics in Savannah, Hinesville or Myrtle Beach for drive-through testing. Testing referral and appointments are required. 

Contact us at: 1-888-878-6884 or (843) 789-6400.

More information on COVID-19 is available at:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• VA COVID Information: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus/

VAMC Primary Care Lab Moves to Mobile Lab

Effective July 27, the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Primary Care Lab moved to a mobile laboratory located in the Valet Parking area of the medical center. The Primary Care laboratory sees patients by scheduled appointment to allow for proper social distancing and patient safety.

If you have an appointment at the Charleston Primary Care Lab, please enter the mobile laboratory no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment time and exit as soon as it’s completed.

Patients arriving at the medical center should enter from Bravo Street and exit onto Bee Street. Signage is posted and visitors should be advised this is a one-way entry/exit at this time. There are four dedicated parking spaces numbered 1-4. Upon arrival, patients should call 843-789-7156 and answer a series of COVID-screening questions.