The United States Department of Veterans Affairs will make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for Title 38 VA Healthcare personnel who work in VA clinics or who provide direct care to those the VA serves. Locally, the VA operates a clinic in Knoxville.

Public Affairs Officer Shawn Hippen with the VA tells KNIA/KRLS News that the VA has recently lost four employees due to COVID-19, all who were unvaccinated. There have been three recorded outbreaks at VA facilities.

Healthcare employees will have eight weeks to get fully vaccinated.