Written By for Coffee or Die Magazine |
The Department of Veterans Affairs is now administering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to certain patients and employees under emergency use authorization.
The VA announced Friday, Sept. 24, it would follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation and offer a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine to:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings.
- People aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions.
- People aged 18-49 with underlying medical conditions based on their individual benefits and risk.
- People aged 18-64 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.
Booster shots are available only to those who received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Health officials say patients who received the Moderna or J&J vaccine will likely need a booster shot too, but data on safety and effectiveness is not available yet.
The VA will prioritize veterans and employees who are 65 and older, who are residents of long-term care facilities, or who are 50 to 64 years old with underlying health conditions. Other veterans, spouses, and caregivers will be offered boosters as supply allows.
