Martinsburg VAMC implements SAVE LIVES Act
Veteran's spouse receives COVID-19 vaccine through the SAVE LIVES Act
Martinsburg VA Medical Center (VAMC) Veteran patient Richard “Rick” McCarthy had already received the COVID-19 vaccine through his employer. However, he was having a difficult time finding a COVID-19 vaccine for his wife of 30 years, Miyuki McCarthy.
They soon realized they could sign Miyuki up for a vaccine through the Martinsburg VAMC now that the Saves Lives Act had been implemented. They traveled from Leesburg, Virginia to the medical center to obtain the vaccine for Miyuki.
“The process for signing up for the vaccine was very easy and painless,” the McCarthy’s said. “We had difficulty obtaining one in our local community due to availability.”
Rick is a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran who met his wife of 30 years while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Miyuki makes a yearly trip back home to visit her mother, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been unable to travel. She has focused on Facetime to stay connected with her mother but is excited about receiving her vaccine today as it puts her one step closer to their long-awaited reunion in Okinawa.
The SAVE LIVES Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden in late March to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all Veterans, spouses of Veterans, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients. The inclusion of these additional groups means the possibility of providing vaccines to more than 30 million people through the VA.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine and the SAVE LIVES Act at www.VA.gov.
