[GrumpyOldMan]

I received this today from the VA:

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Like much of the rest of VISN 8, the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System has recently seen an increase in COVID-19 positive patients seeking medical care at our hospital. The majority of these patients are unvaccinated individuals.

Protecting Veterans, our staff, and those in the community remain VA’s top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to have a policy of universal masking in our medical facilities, physical distancing whenever possible and encouraging all eligible individuals to get vaccinated against the virus.

It is critically important that as many people get vaccinated as quickly as possible. We are actively monitoring the COVID-19 variants, and while it is possible that we will see more variants arise, all evidence shows that the existing vaccines available in the U.S. are effective against severe cases of COVID-19 and acquiring the disease in the first place.

Veterans, their families, and caregivers are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. If they are still undecided, they can visit the VA’s Vaccine Questions webpage to help them make a decision.

Anyone who received their first dose but not the second, even if they are late for their second dose, should still get it. VA can provide vaccines to employees, Veterans or anyone who qualifies under the SAVE LIVES Act such as spouses and caregivers no matter where they received their first dose.