The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a new bill that would allow all veterans and their caregivers to get the COVID-19 vaccination by the VA.
The bill, titled the VA Vaccine Act, would also require the VA to vaccinate veterans even if they are not enrolled in VA health care.
However, veterans who are enrolled into VA health care would receive priority, the legislation stipulates.
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The House passed the bill unanimously, and Rep. Mike Bost called it a “lifeline for veterans and their caregivers.”
As the U.S. continues its race to vaccinate as many people as possible, the House has passed a bill that would grant the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to vaccinate all veterans and their caregivers.
It is unclear how quickly the department could distribute the vaccine, but the measure would dramatically expand the scope of who the VA can vaccinate to include all caregivers of veterans enrolled in various VA programs, and veterans living abroad who rely on the Foreign Medical Program. There are about 9 million veterans enrolled in VA care, but there are 18 million total U.S. veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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The measure now heads to the Senate, where a broader version of the bill was introduced.
On top of veterans, their caregivers, and veterans living abroad, the Senate’s version is asking the VA to also vaccinate spouses of veterans.
It also calls for recipients of the VA’s CHAMPVA program to be able to get the vaccination.
“The goal is to try to help as many people around the veterans get a shot so that everybody can feel comfortable,” said Jon Tester (D-MT), who helped introduce the legislation.
As of last week, the VA had vaccinated 3 million people. Currently they have the ability to vaccinate 350,000 to 600,000 people per week.
I have been trying to register my wife(81) and myself(88) for Covid 19 – – – all I receive is “call back”. this has been going on for over a month. Your support and guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Should have passed this long ago. As a military retiree , I would have received the series by now.
How do I register for vaccine as I am my father’s caregiver twenty-four hours a day. He is a veteran name Roy Scott. Also I have medical conditions COPD and heart issues or it’s very important I have the vaccine as soon as possible. I am listed in the VA system. Thank you for your assistayr wnce in this important matter, Dawn Scott
It has been way over a year since I have seen a doctor at my local VA clinic. yhe only time I have been there was to dolab work for blood and urine. Everything else has been telephone conversations
I live in Petaluma, Calif. Where is the closest place to go to do this?
Give it a break Stubbs
How do we get started?
wife of vet facing surgerey needs Johnson& John
We will be dead by the time they get anything done. casualties of the virus would have a better chance of being shot at then waiting on these jokers to get anything done.
Yeah, right don’t hold your breath you know how slow the VA works. Took them years to get my disability halfway right.
Rudy Mendoza, my wife is my caregiver please take care of her,
Thank you VA administration for again caring for our veterans .
How can I get my husband vaccinated and what paperwork must we have to do this?