The Veterans’ Administration is working to try to get COVID-19 vaccines available for Veterans.
A news release says, “We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans and VA healthcare personnel. We know you have a lot of questions, and information is changing quickly.”
Who will get a COVID-19 vaccine first?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first two COVID-19 vaccines. VA Healthcare will have a limited amount of vaccines to start. It has worked with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. Its goal is to do the most good for the most people. Under this plan, the VA is now offering vaccines to two groups:
— Veterans living in our longterm-care facilities; and
— VA healthcare personnel. Vaccinating VA healthcare personnel helps it continue providing care for Veterans.
The plan is based on criteria from CDC guidelines:
— Risk of becoming infected with the virus;
— Risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19;
— Risk of spreading the virus to others; and
— Risk of harm to society if essential workers- including healthcare personnel- are unable to work. After these first two groups, the VA will begin to offer vaccines to more Veterans who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are eligible to get a vaccine, your VA healthcare team will contact you. You do not need to reserve a vaccine or come to a VA facility to request or receive a vaccine until you are contacted. The staff will only provide vaccines to Veterans who are currently eligible for one based on VA and CDC risk criteria.
The Truman VA Hospital main number is: (573) 814-6000. You also can obtain information by visiting:
<https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/> or
<https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed>
The VA urges area residents to check back often for updates, as a page will be updated.
<https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
Sign up for an easy way to stay informed about our COVID-19 plans. When you sign up, you will be asked about your interest in getting a vaccine when one is available to you. By sharing your interest, you can help the VA better prepare as it works to offer vaccines to more Veterans. Note: You do not need to sign up to get a vaccine. Sign up to stay informed at:
<https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed>