As a stream of veterans seeks the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available in hospitals in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), many want clarity about when and where they can get their vaccines. Under a plan developed by the VA in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and federal guidelines, the VA is spreading the vaccine through a phased plan.
According to VA, the phased plan will allow you to “do the best for most people” during that time.
Under the current plan, VA health personnel, veterans living in VA long-term care facilities, and veterans who are most at risk of serious complications or death due to COVID-19 can now get their vaccines . These high-risk veterans include those with chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, spinal cord injuries and disorders in hospitalized patients, and those with comorbidities. In addition, family caregivers who are enrolled in the Comprehensive Care Program for Family Caregivers are eligible for vaccination when the veteran they care for becomes eligible, according to VA.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible to receive your VA’s COVID-19 vaccine, visit this web page. In addition, veterans can find their local VA health facility and their current plan by visiting this VA page.
Due to a higher percentage of high-risk patients within the VA health system compared to the general public, it may take longer for veterans who are not at an increased risk to receive their vaccine. In some cases, it may be faster for a veteran to receive a vaccine through his condition, rather than through VA. You can find information about your state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan here.
“American Legion has the greatest confidence in the VA to balance vaccine implantation, while prioritizing the most vulnerable veterans and health professionals,” said Mario Marquez, director of the American Legion’s Division of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. “VA has assured us that it will provide that balance with location-specific resources, needs, availability and local status of the pandemic.”
To be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the VA, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health system. However, veterans who attempt to enroll in VA health care for the first time that fall into category 8g will not be eligible for the vaccine, as they are also currently not eligible for VA health care. This is due to a VA change in the 2003 policy, which removed 8g eligibility, as these veterans do not have a service-related disability and their income exceeds the amount allocated to qualify for VA coverage.
American Legion supports the reintegration of 8g into VA health care. At the 2016 National Convention, the National Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 2, which requested reinstatement by the VA.
“The American Legion is behind providing access to VA health care for veterans, regardless of their economic status,” Jeff Steele, an associate in the National Legislative Division, told the House Veterans Affairs Committee on December 2, 2020.
American Legion also recorded a recent testimony, supporting legislation that requires the creation of a bipartisan commission on veterans’ eligibility for health care and benefits design.
As more vaccines become available, VA plans to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all VA veterans who want one. If you are a veteran who is not enrolled or receiving healthcare through VA, visit this web page to apply.
For additional information, contact an American Legion service officer, specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. To find a service officer near you, click here.