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GOP lawmakers target diversity training, COVID rules in defense bill
The annual defense authorization bill debate in the House focused mainly on hot-button social issues.
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Coronavirus | COVID-19 Updates
Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices
Masks will still be mandated for some high-risk areas or facilities with rising virus numbers.
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Troops who refused COVID vaccines still could face punishment
Individuals could face discipline or dismissal for failing to follow orders.
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VA to get new authority over education benefits for future emergencies
The move comes in response to problems that surfaced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America.
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Defense policy bill with COVID vaccine repeal heads to Biden’s desk
The measure includes plans for $817 billion in military spending in fiscal 2023 and a 4.6% pay raise for troops starting next month.
![A vial of the Phase 3 Novavax coronavirus vaccine prepared for use in a trial at St. George's University hospital in London, Oct. 7, 2020. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine that could soon win federal approval may offer a boost for the U.S. military: an opportunity to get shots into some of the thousands of service members who have refused the vaccine for religious reasons. (Alastair Grant/AP)](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/resizer/v2/BGKADYPEJ5F4NNSRJCH57JK2QI.jpg?auth=c01e59448f8d502f91cdb62ea5593ff0d654dd4c456611b2e44491f13c498fd8&width=2284&height=1480)
Surgeon general urges vets to get updated COVID vaccine now
Aging and infirm veterans are particularly vulnerable to complications from the virus, officials warn.
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Pentagon worries repealing COVID vaccine mandate will affect readiness
Democratic House leaders now support the change, which has been a priority for congressional Republicans for months.
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Military COVID-19 vaccine mandate repealed in defense bill compromise
The $858 billion measure also includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops next year and plans to backfill munition stockpiles depleted by the war in Ukraine.
![Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gregzon Fontanilla, from Guam, prepares a COVID-19 vaccine aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 10, 2022. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malcolm Kelley/Navy)](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/resizer/v2/WWJ4ZW4IJBCFVKUQTPDYGOYY7M.jpg?auth=70568a0f71b30baa11c12bac4730219baafd03a80d895406dfa9fe1317ed705b&width=1000&height=667)
VA, HHS urge veterans to get COVID shots before holiday season
More than 23,000 veterans have died from complications related to COVID-19 infections.
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GOP senators threaten to block NDAA over COVID-19 vaccine mandate
They want troops dismissed for refusing the vaccine to get their jobs back and be awarded back pay.
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VA study finds Paxlovid may help prevent long COVID-19 problems
The medication helped reduce the chance of long-term health complications by 25%.
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VA officials confident they’re ready for the next COVID surge
Coronavirus cases among VA patients are up slightly from October 2021.
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VA telehealth appointments may complicate vets’ community care options
Department leaders are looking into whether eligibility rules for outside care should change if online medical appointments are available.
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‘Long COVID’ symptoms could mean major health problems for vets
New guidelines from VA officials warn physicians to watch closely for signs of ongoing, serious health issues.
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VA extends debt collection relief until the end of 2022
Veterans facing financial hardship were facing a late September deadline to resume repayment of the debt.
![A vial of the Phase 3 Novavax coronavirus vaccine prepared for use in a trial at St. George's University hospital in London, Oct. 7, 2020. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine that could soon win federal approval may offer a boost for the U.S. military: an opportunity to get shots into some of the thousands of service members who have refused the vaccine for religious reasons. (Alastair Grant/AP)](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/resizer/v2/BGKADYPEJ5F4NNSRJCH57JK2QI.jpg?auth=c01e59448f8d502f91cdb62ea5593ff0d654dd4c456611b2e44491f13c498fd8&width=2284&height=1480)
Troops can now get Novavax as a COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax is not made with, nor tested on, cells descended from fetal tissue. It also doesn’t use mRNA to deliver the vaccine into cells.
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Bids to weaken military COVID vaccine mandate stall in Congress
Democrats rejected proposals to reinstate troops already kicked out and dismiss the Defense Secretary for requiring the shots.
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