SMETHPORT — In a report to the McKean County commissioners, Zach Pearson, McKean County director of veterans affairs, said the Erie Veterans Administration Medical Center is expanding COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans, their spouses and caregivers.
According to Pearson, the expansion of the vaccinations for all veterans includes those not currently eligible or enrolled in VA care, veterans’ spouses and caregivers and CHAMPVA beneficiaries as outlined in the newly-signed SAVE LIVES Act.
All veterans and individuals eligible under the SAVE LIVES Act may call 814-868-8661 and press 2 to schedule a vaccination appointment or sign up online using the Keep Me Informed tool (www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed).
COVID-19 vaccine distribution is based on supply availability and is scheduled by appointment only.
Individuals now eligible for the vaccine include the following:
• All veterans including those enrolled in VA health care and those not eligible or enrolled in VA health care;
• Spouse of a veteran;
• Caregiver of a veteran, specifically includes:
– Caregivers (Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers);
– Caregivers of veterans participating in the VAs Medical Program of General Caregiver Support Services;
– Caregivers of veterans participating in the VAs Medical Foster Home Program, Home-Based Primary Care Program or Veteran Directed Care: and
• Recipient of CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) benefits.
