VVA Chapter PI 887

VVA 887 President’s Report # 25

December 23, 2020

1.    REFLECTIONS ON 2020 FROM THE CLINIC MANAGER

The holidays are upon us once again, and despite the tremendous challenges we face because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a generous spirit of giving continues to inspire us. Nowhere is this spirit more evident than in the Philippines.

Your care teams here at the VA Manila Outpatient Clinic have given tremendously this year to deliver the medical care you have earned through your service in the US Armed Forces. So much about the work we do has changed during 2020. I am exceptionally proud of how quickly our team was able to develop new ways to reach Veterans during the pandemic. In 2021, we will continue this trend at VA Manila and plan to roll out Video Telehealth Appointments early next year, something I know many of our Veterans have asked for. I am also incredibly proud of how VA Manila staff have made changes to their daily routine to continue reporting to work to do the important things that could not be done remotely, like dispensing medications and offering laboratory services.

As 2020 comes to a close, these are the days when we look back on the past year and remember those among us who have suffered and lost so much, even as we hope and pray for peace on earth, goodwill towards all and healing and renewal in the year ahead. While I know this Christmas and New Year’s celebrations will likely be a little different for everyone than in years past, I hope that each of you in your own way will be able to relax and reflect on 2020 with an eye towards the promise of 2021.

I wish for all of you and your families rich blessings and joy today, and comfort and prosperity in the new year ahead. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!

2.    COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATES:

There is no set date for when VA Manila Outpatient Clinic will receive the vaccine, but we are prepared and stand ready to accept a vaccine once it becomes available to us and to quickly begin administering it to Veterans upon receipt. VA’s goal is to offer the vaccine to all eligible Veterans receiving care at the VA and all employees. Last week, 37 VA medical centers received their initial allocation of the Pfizer vaccine, and this week, additional VA medical centers received their initial allocation of the Moderna vaccine. The initial vaccine distribution sites were chosen based on several criteria, including freezer availability and the ability to vaccinate a large volume of people quickly. VA is starting its vaccination efforts at VA medical centers, as these facilities are treating Veterans with active COVID-19 infections. Once Veterans and staff at medical centers have been vaccinated, VA will then focus its efforts on distributing vaccines to a broader network of outpatient clinics.

When VA Manila receives its initial allocation, we will follow the prioritizations published by VA, and will contact Veterans in the highest priority groups to schedule appointments to be vaccinated.

VA published a website for Veterans about the COVID vaccine, available here: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.  This website is a great resource with additional information about VA’s vaccination plans and initial priority groups. The US Embassy here in the Philippines also has information for Americans living overseas about COVID and vaccines on their website, available here: https://ph.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

3.    VA MANILA PHARMACY UPDATES:

VA Manila’s Pharmacy has been working diligently to process all requested and anticipated medication refills due over the holidays. As you all know, many businesses in the Philippines close for the last two weeks of the year, and Air21 and LBC have extremely limited services available during this time.

The Pharmacy will be open and continuing to process routine and new prescriptions ordered by VA Manila providers over the holidays. Veterans can continue requesting prescription refills at any time through MyHealtheVet and the VA Automated Pharmacy Refill Line (#MyVA).

Air21 and LBC will resume normal operations effective January 4, 2021.

Veterans who run out of urgently needed medications over the holidays are advised to seek a temporary supply from a community pharmacy. If the medication is for a service-connected condition, Veterans can seek reimbursement through the Foreign Medical Program. Veterans can continue to pick up medications from VA Manila on working days between now and December 31, 2020.

4. UPCOMING HOLIDAYS: 

The U.S. Embassy, along with the VA Manila Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic, will be closed in recognition of the following public holidays:

US/PHL Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24

PHL Jose Rizal Day – Wednesday, December 30

US/PHL Christmas Day – Friday, December 25

US/PHL New Years Day – Friday, January 1, 2021

NOTE: Plan ahead and order your refills 10 workdays in advance of holiday closures.  Air21 is also closed on these holidays so medications will be delayed if you fail to request refills 10 days in advance. If you run out of medications for a service-connected condition, you can buy the medicine from a community pharmacy and file a claim for reimbursement from the FMP.

As always, if you need any assistance, please email your primary care team in MyHealtheVet, or you are welcome to contact me directly: daniel.gutkoski2@va.gov.

Your VA Manila Team

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Daniel Gutkoski, MHA

Clinic Manager, VA Manila Outpatient Clinic

US Embassy to the Philippines, Seafront Compound

1501 Roxas Boulevard

1302 Pasay City, Metro Manila Direct: +63 (02) 8396-3735    Toll Free: #MyVA (#6982)