The Department of Veterans Affairs is considering whether to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for all employees. VA Secretary Denis McDonough said it may be necessary for the protection of the staff and the veterans they serve, Military Times reported.

“My goal has been by August to make clear we are providing more care and more benefits than before the pandemic began,” he said. “Our ability to do that is enhanced by our ability to get more staff vaccinated.

McDonough stressed that there’s no decision yet on such a move and that he is hopeful VA staff vaccination rates will continue to rise as the department offers time off to get the shot and recover from any side effects.

“It would be negligent to not be considering the full range of opportunities we have to ensure we’re taking every step possible to protect veterans,” McDonough said.

DOD photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Charles Hayes