Courtney Statement As Connecticut VA Announces Availability Of COVID-19 Vaccine To Enrolled Veterans Of All Ages

Statement

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after the VA Connecticut Healthcare System announced that it will be offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all enrolled veterans, regardless of age, effective March 1, 2021. VA Connecticut Director Alfred Montoya issued the announcement yesterday afternoon, indicating that a steady supply of vaccines and a strong demand for vaccination opportunities from Connecticut veterans led to their new policy directive.

"When I hosted our first Veterans Advisory Board meeting of 2021 a few weeks ago, questions about vaccines were at the top of just about everyone's list," said Rep. Courtney. "We've kept our foot on the gas pedal, and this announcement helps answer a lot of those questions: if you're a veteran in Connecticut who receives health care through the VA, you're qualified to get your COVID-19 vaccine starting now. It's great to see our state continue to lead the pack in making COVID-19 vaccines available to every veteran who wants one, and it's thanks in large part to the excellent work of Director Montoya, his team, and the medical staff at our VA clinics. My office will continue to work with Director Montoya to ensure the VA has the resources it needs to keep the good work going, and I encourage any veteran in eastern Connecticut with questions on the new vaccination process to contact my office. Our phone lines are open, and we're here to help."

As of February 28, the VA Connecticut Healthcare System has vaccinated approximately 17,000 enrolled patients through a series of scheduled appointments and walk-in clinics. On Saturday, February 13, Rep. Courtney visited the VA's New London Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) to meet with staff and veterans as the vaccine began to be rolled out to veterans in southeastern Connecticut. Over 300 veterans were scheduled to receive their first vaccines that day--click here to learn more.

Veterans must be enrolled for care with the VA to receive the vaccine, and can apply for enrollment at https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/. The Connecticut VA has announced that availability is first come, first served, and requires that all visitors wear a mask and practice social distancing. For more information on yesterday's announcement, including information on upcoming VA Walk-In Clinics, click here.

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