All VA Health Care centers, including the Los Angeles clinic pictured here, are offering walk-in vaccination appointments for veterans, spouses, and caregivers. (Photo: VA.gov)
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced in a May 10 press release that it is now offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccine appointments for eligible veterans, spouses, and caregivers at all VA medical facilities equipped for vaccination.
Eligibility as outlined by the SAVE LIVES Act allows virtually all veterans, regardless of their enrollment status with VA health care, to be administered a vaccine. All spouses of veterans and most caregivers (such as those taking care of veterans at long-term care facilities not associated with the VA) can also get vaccinated without first scheduling an appointment.
The announcement comes despite a March 31 Government Accountability Office report suggesting significant progress, but also key flaws in the VA’s ongoing vaccination efforts.
For one, the GAO says that the VA has not done an adequate job at tracking reasons for missed vaccine appointments, making it harder to create and plan outreach efforts for veterans that are unwilling to get vaccinated.
Additionally, the now month-old report says that the VA does not have a concrete method for monitoring vaccination progress nationally. However, the announcement that the VA is now offering walk-in appointments throughout the country suggests that the department is keeping pace with its previously outlined timetable.
As vaccine supplies have become more stable, vaccine hesitancy and logistical issues in rural communities appear to be the only major remaining barriers. According to the LA Times, approximately one in four Californians is reluctant to get vaccinated; though that number is believed to be higher in most other states.
Regardless, the VA anticipates fulfilling its role in President Joe Biden’s July 4 goal of vaccinating at least 70% of the United States.
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.