December 19, 2020

Manchin Announces West Virginia Veterans Will Receive First Doses Of Moderna Vaccine

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) received notification from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that all four VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) in West Virginia have been selected to receive the initial allocation of the Moderna vaccine. The VA is planning to begin distributing the Moderna vaccine as early as next week.

“Today I heard directly from Veterans Affairs officials that VA facilities in West Virginia will be receiving the initial allocation of the of the Moderna vaccine as early as next week. I’m pleased the Department of Veterans Affairs has acted quickly after my inquiry last week to remedy the situation. West Virginia Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our nation and are one of the most at-risk populations in the country. That’s why ensuring they quickly receive the vaccine is of the upmost importance. I will continue working with VA and other Administration officials to ensure every West Virginian has access to a COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible,” Senator Manchin said.

This announcement comes after Senator Manchin sent a letter this week calling on the VA to provide an explanation for the exclusion of many rural Veterans, including West Virginia Veterans, from the VA’s initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution and implementation plan. Senator Manchin also implored the VA to prioritize rural VAMCs for initial distribution of the vaccine at last week’s Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing.