SALT LAKE CITY– A push to get Utah military veterans vaccinated could roll out as soon as Tuesday. This comes as the SAVE LIVES Now Act allows the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to expand vaccine eligibility to all veterans, spouses, caregivers and some beneficiaries, despite their VA health care enrollment status. 

Veterans searching for a COVID-19 vaccine can visit the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center on 500 Foothill Drive to receive their vaccine. Vaccine appointments are on a first-come, first-serve walk-in basis based on availability on Monday – Friday from 7 am-1 pm.

Veterans vaccine eligibility  

Under the recently passed law, veterans are able to get the shot through the VA if they meet the following requirements:

• Veterans who are not eligible to enroll in the VA healthcare system, meaning a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
• Veterans who are eligible for care under the Foreign Medical Program
• Survivors and Dependents of Certain Veterans under The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) Program
• Family Caregivers of Veterans participating in the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
• Caregivers of Veterans participating in VA’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services
• Caregivers of Veterans participating in the Medical Foster Home Program, Bowel and Bladder Program, Home Based Primary Care Program, or Veteran Directed Care Program of the VA
• Spouses of Veterans

Currently, the VA is receiving 200,000 first doses of the vaccine every week. It’s estimated a minimum of 300,000 single doses weekly is needed in order to meet the demand of approximately three million veterans not enrolled in VA healthcare, the VA said in a statement Monday.

However, the VA states it will need 600,000 weekly doses to expand vaccination access to all eligible individuals outlined in SAVE LIVES Now Act. 

 

Other Reading:

Salt Lake VA makes sure homeless veterans get a shot at COVID vaccine

CDC study finds Pfizer, Moderna vaccines are 90% effective after two doses in real-world conditions

Gov. Cox touts new economic vision post-vaccine rollout