Posted on May 14, 2021
VA Expands Pool of Eligible COVID-19 Recipients with Implementation of the SAVE LIVES Act
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As the Chief Consultant for Preventive Medicine at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), I was both excited and relieved to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon I was eligible. Now I am just as excited that VA is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to 24 million more eligible individuals, thanks to the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize All Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act.
Who Is Covered Under SAVE LIVES Act?
The SAVE LIVES Act was signed into law on March 24, 2021. This bipartisan legislation expands VA’s authority to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the following individuals:
-Anyone who served in the U.S. military
-Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
-Caregivers of Veterans
-Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits (recipients must meet minimum vaccine administration age requirements)
U.S. military includes those who served in the National Guard; Reserves; Coast Guard; commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the U.S. Public Health Service; and cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies. VA defines a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran, helping the Veteran with personal needs and tasks such as feeding, bathing, dressing, shopping, and/or transportation.
How Can You Sign Up?
If you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from VA, sign up at: https://rly.pt/3brTvBs Once you sign up, your local VA facility will contact you to schedule an appointment.
VA is also expanding walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at all VA facilities and clinics that offer COVID-19 vaccines. VA encourages those who wish to get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment to check their local facility’s walk-in hours/requirements since VA vaccination clinics are not open 24 hours. Individuals taking advantage of walk-in vaccination may need to wait for the vaccine to be prepared and will be screened when entering a VA facility. So, while not required, VA recommends registering online to save time and ensure a smooth experience. Remember, face masks are mandatory for all and physical distancing measures will be in place.
VA’s goal is for you to be protected from COVID-19, and we encourage you to take the first opportunity you have to get vaccinated at the most convenient location for you.
To hear from VA minority clinicians discussing the COVID-19 Vaccine and impacts on their community, go to this https://bcove.video/2Qra8Gt
Update on Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine
On April 13, VA began following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)recommendations to pause administering the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine so reports of blood clots in vaccine recipients could be thoroughly investigated. After careful review and evaluation, the FDA and CDC lifted their guidance to pause use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on April 23 and determined the vaccine to be safe. VA has since resumed offering the vaccine to those 18 years and older. Anyone who is offered the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine from VA will receive information about the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine, including the rare risk of blood clots, as well as alternative vaccine options.
For information about VA resuming the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the COVID-19 vaccines at VA website.
Who Is Covered Under SAVE LIVES Act?
The SAVE LIVES Act was signed into law on March 24, 2021. This bipartisan legislation expands VA’s authority to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the following individuals:
-Anyone who served in the U.S. military
-Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
-Caregivers of Veterans
-Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits (recipients must meet minimum vaccine administration age requirements)
U.S. military includes those who served in the National Guard; Reserves; Coast Guard; commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the U.S. Public Health Service; and cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies. VA defines a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran, helping the Veteran with personal needs and tasks such as feeding, bathing, dressing, shopping, and/or transportation.
How Can You Sign Up?
If you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from VA, sign up at: https://rly.pt/3brTvBs Once you sign up, your local VA facility will contact you to schedule an appointment.
VA is also expanding walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at all VA facilities and clinics that offer COVID-19 vaccines. VA encourages those who wish to get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment to check their local facility’s walk-in hours/requirements since VA vaccination clinics are not open 24 hours. Individuals taking advantage of walk-in vaccination may need to wait for the vaccine to be prepared and will be screened when entering a VA facility. So, while not required, VA recommends registering online to save time and ensure a smooth experience. Remember, face masks are mandatory for all and physical distancing measures will be in place.
VA’s goal is for you to be protected from COVID-19, and we encourage you to take the first opportunity you have to get vaccinated at the most convenient location for you.
To hear from VA minority clinicians discussing the COVID-19 Vaccine and impacts on their community, go to this https://bcove.video/2Qra8Gt
Update on Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine
On April 13, VA began following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)recommendations to pause administering the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine so reports of blood clots in vaccine recipients could be thoroughly investigated. After careful review and evaluation, the FDA and CDC lifted their guidance to pause use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on April 23 and determined the vaccine to be safe. VA has since resumed offering the vaccine to those 18 years and older. Anyone who is offered the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine from VA will receive information about the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine, including the rare risk of blood clots, as well as alternative vaccine options.
For information about VA resuming the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the COVID-19 vaccines at VA website.
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I got the first Modena shot at the Atlanta VA. I contacted them several times to get the second shot. NO response from them. Got the second shot from Publix.
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RallyPoint Shared Content
We are sorry to hear of the difficulties you experienced. Typically, the second shot is scheduled when you get your first vaccine. My team has contacted the Atlanta VA Health Care System to make them aware of your experience. Please contact your health care team through MyHealtheVet (https://rly.pt/3hKgf3A) or call the facility at [login to see] to give them specific information about your second dose. VA will then update your health record.
VA secure messaging | Veterans Affairs
With VA secure messaging, you can communicate privately online with your VA health care team. Find out if you’re eligible to use secure messaging, and how to sign in to begin using this tool.
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Thank you Bay Pines VAMC for my Pfizer shots. I contacted my local clinic several times before I was able to receive my shots up in St. Petersburg Bay Pines.
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