AUGUSTA — VA Maine care teams are scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible enrolled veterans via VEText. Text “start” to 53079 to opt-in to receiving VEText messaging.

VA’s VEText program allows veterans to confirm or cancel scheduled appointments and sends reminders for visits via text message. Veterans may also receive text message updates about availability and scheduling for COVID-19 vaccines.

All text messages will tell eligible veterans their facility is offering the vaccine and will come from the short phone number, 53079.

VA care teams will invite eligible veterans to make a vaccine appointment directly by text message. The teams will also continue to reach out to eligible veterans to schedule vaccinations by phone.

Every enrolled veteran with a cell phone number listed in their health record is automatically enrolled to receive text messages. Veterans can update phone numbers online at va.gov/profile. Veterans also can update contact information during check-in at an appointment.

To learn more about VEText at va.gov/HEALTH/VEText_FAQs.asp.