VA Update

VA Update

By Michael Roof

Director, Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Grand Traverse County

Now, a couple of months into 2021, and COVID-19 still continues to affect our country and its economy. Many people are calling our office daily looking for the opportunity to get the vaccine. While we are not a VA medical center, we want to help get the correct information to help Veterans and their families.

Michigan’s goal is to vaccinate 70% of people age 16 years of age and older by the end of 2021. This is being done in a stepped Phase approach based on 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 healthcare personnel, are unable to work.

Veterans wanting a vaccine can get one through any VA medical center but MUST be enrolled in VA healthcare. If you are not enrolled in VA Healthcare, you can do so through various options:

• Visit www.va.gov to apply online

• Visit a County Veterans

Service Officer to apply ( find one at www. michiganveterans.com)

• Contact VA eligibility at 1-800406-5143 Ext. 13120 or 13121

If you are already enrolled in VA healthcare, you should wait until your medical team calls you to schedule an appointment. The VA will contact you once they reach the phase that is appropriate to your situation.

In times like this, let’s all practice a lot of grace and patience with others around us. COVID is reality, and some have succumbed to the effects of this illness. Be sensitive to those around who may have been directly affected. The country has been through many changes in the last six months, and we need to come together to rebuild.

Respectfully, Michael