Now that there are multiple COVID-19 vaccines on the market, most people are scrambling to get their dose so we can all be safer and the world can begin to heal and move on. The Department of Veteran Affairs has been instrumental in providing vaccines to people, and they are working closely with the CDC.
The situation is ever-changing, so you should look directly at the Department of Veteran Affairs website for up-to-date information. There is information here that outlines the VA’s plan and what people should do to get access to their COVID-19 vaccination.
Schedule for Vaccinations
President Joe Biden had said that all American adults should be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination by May 1. And then, he moved the date up to April 19th since the rollout is going smoothly. The federal government is doing its best to support local and state governmental bodies and health care organizations to provide as many opportunities for vaccines in the communities that need them most.
The VA has been implementing a multi-phase schedule for rolling out vaccinations, and so far, they have been putting up some serious numbers. Many people are anticipating the VA healthcare system to aid public facilities to vaccinate everyone in America. The infrastructure of veteran health care has many critics, but this opportunity for them to serve a wider demographic should provide insight into its operation.
Current Situation
The Department of Veteran Affairs has based their COVID-19 vaccination plans on the CDC guidelines that are built around doing the most good for the most people. Factors like age, existing health problems, and living situation are all taken into account when determining who to give vaccinations to first and foremost.
Because VA facilities are basing their plans on the needs of the community they serve, applying for a vaccine as soon as possible should help your local facility secure the proper amount of doses.
Who Should Apply?
Right now, most VA facilities are providing COVID-19 vaccines for all veterans who are enrolled in the VA’s health care programs or receive their medical care at the VA. Family caregivers enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance of Family Caretakers (PCAFC) are also eligible for their vaccine now, regardless of it they are primary or secondary family caregivers. These caregivers can accompany their veterans to the VA and receive a vaccine, too.
If you or a member of your family meets these qualifications but has not been officially determined to fill the position of caregiver, for example, you may want to consult an attorney with experience handling veterans law cases. They can help you determine if you should change your status with the VA and how that may impact any disability compensation you already receive.
In future phases of vaccine administration, more groups will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a VA facility. All veterans, regardless of health care plans, will eventually be eligible. Spouses of veterans and surviving spouses should also be covered once the vaccine availability is expanded.
Coverage will also expand to include all caregivers of veterans and people who are on the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). The VA is doing its best to expand vaccine availability to include such a wide variety of groups that many people should at least apply for more information or notification of increased dosage availability.
Next Steps
The VA website has a form for signing up to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the VA, though it is subject to CDC guidelines and the available supply. Fill out this form if you are eligible to receive a vaccine at the VA, and they will contact you when one becomes available. Everyone should take their first opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination shot since this will also help reduce the strain on the VA health care system.
Crystal A. Davis was born into a family of attorneys and was raised with a strong sense of justice. During her high school years, she developed a passion for journalism and decided to combine this with her knowledge of the law. She realized that she could make her voice heard to the masses through legal journalism. Crystal is honored to follow and report on any legal case. She shares her analysis in reader-friendly articles. However, over the years, she has become a strong advocate for VA rights and made it her mission to help veterans seek justice.
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