COVID-19 vaccines
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine. VA will have a limited amount of this vaccine to start. We’ve worked with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. Our goal is to do the most good for the most people during this time.
Under this plan, we’ll first offer vaccines to these 2 groups:
- Veterans living in our long-term care facilities, and
- VA health care personnel. Vaccinating our high-risk VA health care personnel helps us continue providing care for Veterans.
We based this plan on these criteria from CDC guidelines:
- Risk of becoming infected with the virus
- Risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19
- Risk of spreading the virus to others
- Risk of harm to society if essential workers, including health care personnel, are unable to work
After the first 2 groups, we’ll begin to offer vaccines to more Veterans who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Your VA health care team will contact you if you’re eligible to get a vaccine during this time.
Save Lives Act Update Policy Update: Effective May 11, 2023
The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will expired May 11, 2023. This means the Save Lives Act (SLA) authorities expired when the PHE expires.
After May 11, 2023, it is unlawful for VA to administer COVID-19 vaccines to SLA covered individuals who are not otherwise eligible for VA care. This includes caregivers, spouses, and Veterans not eligible to enroll in VA health care.
Please note: COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) do not expire with the PHE because they are issued under a separate declaration of authority. EUA declarations continue until terminated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit our vaccine information page.