How Will The VA Deliver The Vaccine When Its Ready For Distribution?

25 Nov How Will The VA Deliver The Vaccine When Its Ready For Distribution?

Planning is ongoing at the VA, nationwide, to deliver a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available. VA is reportedly working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a phased plan based on five core ethical pillars: safety, maximizing the benefit of the vaccine, equity, fairness and transparency.

Veteran and employee safety remains the number one priority of the VA. The plan takes into consideration a number of risk factors, including risks of acquiring infection, severe illness and death if infected, and transmitting the disease, as well as the risk to essential workers, including health care personnel.

Offering the vaccine first to health care personnel and Veterans-

Initially, the supplies are expected to be limited. Based on these risk factors, the VA will offer the vaccine on a priority basis to high-risk health care personnel (HCP), as they are essential in continuing to care for patients throughout the pandemic. As more vaccines become available, the VA will offer the vaccine to Veterans at high risk. VA’s most important goal is to offer vaccination to all Veterans and employees who want the vaccination.

Preparation at VA facilities-

VA medical centers across the country are performing planning exercises since late October to prepare for initial reception of the vaccine. These exercises help sites determine how they will distribute immunizations. They based the decisions on the number of doses available and coordinated communications with Veterans to schedule their immunization.

They also addressed ordering, storage, handling, and administration of the vaccine.

The Veterans remain a priority-

Additionally, the VA has been conducting listening sessions and interviews as well as surveys with Veterans across the country to ensure their interest and determine the optimum methods for reaching out to the diverse Veteran population.

Your local medical facility will most likely update you as vaccines become available if not, continue to check this space for updates.