Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Alert
We continue to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to our veteran and Dept. of Defense/TRICARE patients, ages 12 and up, as well as unenrolled veterans, their spouses and caregivers. We also are vaccinating TRICARE patients, ages 5-11. More Details
Coronavirus
COVID-19 vaccines: All Veterans, spouses and caregivers can get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA. Visit our vaccine information page.
For VA-specific information: Read our coronavirus FAQs and public health response, or use our coronavirus chatbot.
Prepare for a visit: Everyone entering our facilities is screened, and visitors are limited. Face coverings are mandatory. For some needs, you may be able to get care at home by phone or video.
For the latest coronavirus information: Visit the CDC website.
Updates
PACT Act
The PACT Act is a historic new law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The law empowers VA to provide generations of Veterans- and their survivors- with the care and benefits they've earned and deserve. The new law:
-Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposure and veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 combat veterans.
-Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures.
-Adds more presumptive locations for Agent Orange and radiation exposure.
-Provides toxic exposure screenings to every veteran enrolled in VA health care
-Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.
Any veteran or survivor wanting to apply can learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MY-VA-411 (800-698-2411).
COVID-19 visitor guidelines
As COVID-19 cases go up in the community, we are again tightening visitor policies. Currently, no visitors are allowed except on a case-by-case basis in the Community Living Center, or any inpatient units. Those visits should be coordinated with nurse managers for each floor. Also, we ask that patients arrive alone for appointments. One companion is allowed, if necessary, for health and safety reasons. We thank you for your understanding. We are doing whatever we can to protect our patients, visitors, staff and volunteers.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Appointments continue for first and second doses of Pfizer/Moderna, and booster doses. We urge all vaccinated patients to schedule COVID-19 booster shots as soon as possible. Veteran patients and family member caregivers of veterans (ages 12 and up), call 224-610-3899 to schedule vaccine appointments.
Pediatric TRICARE beneficiaries, ages 6 months to 17, call 800-941-4501 to schedule. Pediatric patients must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
NOTE: For more information about availability of second booster shots, please go to our COVID-19 vaccination page for the latest information: COVID-19 Vaccines.
Vaccinations are given at the main hospital in North Chicago. Park in the four-story garage, come in the four flagpole/valet parking Ambulatory Care Clinic (Bldg. 133EF) entrance, where screeners will issue surgical masks and direct you to the Immunizations Clinic in Bldg. 133EF (Ambulatory Care Clinic). Don’t forget your vaccination card.
Monkeypox:
Monkeypox is continuing to spread globally. Here is the information you need to know:
Monkeypox is a viral infection with a painful or uncomfortable rash or sores, often with flu-like symptoms. Cases are climbing in the Chicago area, but overall, this is still a RARE infection.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, congestion, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash or sores. Some people only get a small rash while others may have all these symptoms. The rash can be like little pimples or blisters and may occur in and around the mouth and on the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash may be painful or itchy. Some people may get only a fever or body aches first and get the rash one to four days later.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not have close physical contact with others, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Do not share towels, utensils, cups, or toothbrushes, and do not allow others to touch your clothing or bed sheets. You may need to isolate in a separate part of the house to protect others within the household.
If you have symptoms or think you have been exposed to monkeypox, contact your doctor for guidance, or the appropriate nurse advice line:
- Veteran patients: 888-598-7793
- TRICARE DoD Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-TRICARE or 1-800-874-2273, Option 1
The FHCC does not currently have any vaccine for monkeypox. If you think you have been exposed or you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about options to get vaccinated.
Find more information on the CDC's website or Lake County Public Health website. Learn more »
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Email Updates
Telephone Care:
- 800-393-0865 extension 82920
7 days, 24 hours - More toll-free numbers
