WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) voted to pass the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans’ and Caregivers’ COVID–19 Immunizations Now Expanded Act, or the VA VACCINE Act. The bipartisan bill expands the VA’s authority to provide COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans and their caregivers who work in home-based or long-term care programs.

“In the monumental effort to defeat this virus, many senior citizens and veterans face challenges when seeking access to the vaccines,” said Rep. Peters. “Over 200,000 veterans call San Diego home; it’s our duty to make sure those who served and their dedicated caregivers are not left behind in the midst of this public health emergency, regardless of where they receive care.”

This bill authorizes the VA to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to covered individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. These individuals include:

• Veterans who are not eligible to enroll in the VA health care system.
• Specified veterans who are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care abroad.
• Family caregivers of veterans participating in the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
• Caregivers of veterans participating in the VA’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services.
• Caregivers of veterans participating in the VA's Medical Foster Home Program, Bowel and Bladder Program, Home Based Primary Care Program, or Veteran Directed Care Program.

This vote reinforces Rep. Peters’ record in Congress to support our veterans. Since 2013, Rep. Peters has introduced and passed legislation for veterans’ housing, successful transition to civilian life, health care, earned benefits, and education.