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By: FEDweek StaffVeterans, their spouses and caregivers now can get vaccinated for Covid-19 at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. CHAMPVA beneficiaries – spouses and dependent children of permanently and totally disabled veterans and those who have died from service-connected conditions – also are eligible for vaccinations.
President Biden signed into law a bipartisan bill that codifies the change, which essentially increases the eligibility pool wherever and whenever vaccines are available. The measure directs the Department of Health and Human Services to adjust its method of vaccine allocation to meet VA’s needs.
“VA has proven itself as one of our country’s most effective vaccinators, but it’s clear that VCA needed additional authority to continue leading the effort to get as many shots into arms as possible,” said Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “No veteran should be turned away from getting a vaccine at VA. After today, that doesn’t need to be a concern.”
