The COVID vaccine is coming for vets

#Middlebury #Veterans

The COVID vaccine is currently being distributed to 37 VA locations around the country. The logistics to move 300 million doses to where they need to be (Operation Warp Speed) are overwhelming, but the Department of Veterans Affairs has plans in hand for us.

The first thing to remember is that you likely won’t be first in line to get the vaccine. Until you get the two shots (spaced weeks apart), your job is to stay healthy. Just because you get the first shot doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. And depending how things are going in your area, you’ll likely need to keep wearing a mask and doing social distancing, even after you’ve had both doses.

The order of vaccination is still being organized, but it likely will start with medical staff and residents of long-term care facilities, and those with high-risk medical conditions.

Once they move down the list, the vaccines will be available to all veterans who get VA health care. The fine print says they’ll contact you when it’s available, but it can’t hurt to check with your health team to make sure they have your info. If you’re not signed up for VA health care, you can apply online with VA form 10-10EZ.

Other tidbits:

• If they come out with multiple vaccines, no, you won’t be able to pick which one you get, at least not initially when there are shortages.
• If you haven’t had a flu shot but plan to get one, do it now. You likely will not be able to take the COVID vaccine too soon after getting a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still deciding about this.

For more info on the vaccines and VA, go to www.va.gov/covid-19-vaccine. Scroll down for lots of information and resources.

© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.