Beneficiaries of the CHAMPVA program can now be vaccinated at VA health care facilities, such as the Central California Health Care System in Fresno pictured here. (Photo: Fresno.VA.gov)
The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to adolescent beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program, or CHAMPVA), the agency announced Tuesday.
The change fulfills the VA’s obligation under the SAVE LIVES Act and will allow CHAMPVA beneficiaries between the ages of 12 and 17 to be administered any COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized for use in children.
To date, this only includes the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. However, pharmaceutical company Moderna announced on Tuesday that it is seeking approval from regulators early next month after concluding that its vaccine is safe for children 12 and up. It is unclear if or when the VA will adopt the Moderna vaccine for CHAMPVA beneficiaries if it is approved, though the VA has been quick to adopt new policies published by the CDC in the past.
The VA Now Offers Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
Earlier this month, the VA announced that it is offering walk-in vaccination appointments for all persons eligible for vaccination under the SAVE LIVES Act, including all veterans and their spouses, as well as most private caregivers.
California veterans and dependents can learn more about the VA’s vaccination services by visiting its COVID-19 resources page. The American Legion also offers free support to veterans looking to connect with other VA services.
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.