BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended veterinarians be included in COVID-19 vaccine distribution Phase 1b as front-line essential workers. While it was a huge step for veterinary medicine federally, state and local governments still control actual phased rollout of the vaccines. Some states began allowing veterinarians to vaccinated sooner than others. In February, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) deployed 119 employees, including veterinary personnel, to assist with vaccination rollouts in several states. Some states are also recruiting private practicing veterinarians to assist with vaccination efforts, however, the AVMA encourages them to consider possible legal risks before agreeing to do so. 

Local VMAs have been supporting the ability of veterinary teams to access COVID-19 vaccines The AVAMA has been providing input to federal agencies on the importance of veterinary teams as essential workers. The AVMA is also working diligently to keep veterinary team members informed about COVID-19 including best practices to keep teams safe, the importance of vaccines and how to prepare teams to accept the vaccine when it does become available. While some states are openly informing the VMAs of when veterinarians will have access to the vaccines, other states are less clear, leaving individuals to research for themselves. At the time of publication of this article, both Kansas and Missouri are in stage 3 of vaccine eligibility meaning any resident age 16 or older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

The AVMA strongly encourages veterinary teams receive COVID-19 vaccines for the safety and welfare of themselves and clients. By becoming vaccinated, the AVMA also states, veterinary team members can set a positive example for other members of the community. 

The AVMA COVID-19 vaccine resource page can be found at https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-and-vaccination.