The VA is now offering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots for eligible veterans, spouses, and caregivers. (Photo: Mufid Majnun)
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Friday that veterans meeting certain criteria are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster from their local VA health care system, including in California.
Currently, booster shots are only available for veterans, spouses, or caregivers who received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago in addition to belonging to one or more of the following groups:
- People who are 65 or older.
- Long-term residents of VA health care facilities.
- People who are 18 or older with diagnosed underlying medical conditions (such as cancer, chronic lung diseases, dementia, diabetes, or heart conditions, among others).
- People who are 18 or older and either work or live in settings with a high risk for COVID-19 transmission (such as health care workers, first responders, and more).
The VA says that vaccine boosters will be made available via appointment and walk-in, though facilities with limited supplies will prioritize patients who are most at risk. Additionally, the VA says it will begin offering COVID-19 booster shots for patients who received the Jansen or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines if and when it is “authorized and recommended” by the FDA and CDC.
Nearly 80% of all California residents are fully vaccinated according to an online portal set up by the state, with the most recent update suggesting that COVID-19 case numbers in California are dropping. It is unclear if vaccination and transmission rates among the veteran population in California follow the same trends. As of Sept. 27, approximately 60% of veterans across the U.S. have been fully vaccinated.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.