(Photo Illustration by Allan Carvalho/NurPhoto via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says front-line health care workers and veterans residing in long-term units in 37 of its medical centers will be among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines.The agency released a preliminary plan for distributing COVID-19 vaccines once the Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization.Veterans Affairs says it has worked closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed to plan for COVID-19 vaccination of staff and veterans.“Health care workers will be among the first to receive vaccinations because they are at high risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19 to other.