VA: High-risk veterans under 65 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More veterans in north Florida and south Georgia will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

This comes as the Veterans Affairs announces veterans under 65 with high-risk health conditions are now added to the list of those eligible for the vaccine.

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Two local sites — the VA in Lake City and the VFW in St. Augustine  — will serve as vaccination sites for veterans.

“Us having access through the VA — it just makes it more accountable and more accessible for us,” Army veteran John Harris told Action News Jax.

A high-risk patient himself, he knows the importance of getting the shot.

“It’s in our best interest to get it, no matter what our personal views are,” Harris added.

The VA stated in a news release conditions like obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease are considered high-risk and would make a veteran under 65 eligible for the shot.

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“It’s important for all Americans, to be honest, but yes for the veterans because many of them have underlying conditions,” Col. Len Loving, CEO of Five Star Veterans Center, said.

As for Harris, he’s grateful for the expansion.

“It’s going to be good for the general population, as well as the veterans,” he said.

To make an appointment, you can call (352) 548-6000.

Cox Media Group