Veteran Affairs has opted not to create a single, centralized medical center to replace the Manhattan and Brooklyn VA medical centers. The announcement follows a “detailed, two-year examination” that recognized input from the New York Congressional delegation, veterans groups, and city and state officials, as well as an advisory panel, said a VA statement. This decision follows closely on the heels of one not to consolidate four Boston VA hospitals, even though VA officials had wanted to close older centers to help streamline VA operations over the next 20 years.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.