Department of Veteran Affairs is now requiring VA employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19. The VA is the nation’s most extensive healthcare system. Its purpose is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.
The VA Secretary, Denis McDonough, announced Monday that all personnel considered “Title 38 health workers” will require COVID-19 vaccines. These healthcare workers consist of doctors, registered nurses, dentists, physician assistants, and others.
This mandate results from the country’s increase in coronavirus cases caused by the Delta variant and the deaths of four VA employees who were not vaccinated.
“It’s the best way to keep veterans safe, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country… Whenever a veteran or VA employee sets foot in a VA facility, they deserve to know that we have done everything in our power to protect them from COVID-19,” said Denis McDonough.
As of July 26th, the VA database claims that roughly 70% of the more than 400,000 workers at the VA were fully vaccinated. However, cases have been increasing, resulting in a rise of concerns. From 192 new cases in June to 390 in July, Assistant Under Secretary for Health Dr. Carolyn Clancy told members of a House Veterans Affairs subcommittee.
“This surge of infection is causing us to deploy emergency personnel and resources to multiple areas of the country — signs that we’re seeing mirror prior surges and are warning of what’s ahead,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy
Also, Dr. Carolyn Clancy states that the Department of Veteran Affairs has seen an increase of hospitalized veterans, 97% of whom have not been vaccinated. She then pleads to unvaccinated veterans and workers to get vaccinated.
“To those of you listening, I implore you to get vaccinated to help keep yourself, your loved ones and our veterans safe today,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy.
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