| April 7, 2021
We have great news to share!
Based on the passing of the SAVES LIVES Act, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is now offering COVID-19 vaccines as supply allows to:
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All Veterans (anyone who served in the military regardless of character of discharge)
- Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
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Caregivers of Veterans (For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, we define a caregiver as a family member or friend who provides care to a Veteran. Caregivers may help a Veteran with personal needs like feeding, bathing, or dressing. They may also help a Veteran with tasks like shopping or transportation.)
- Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits
Documentation is not required.
We are also expanding our operations to include walk-in clinics at ALL locations through the hours of 9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., and are offering vaccine to Veterans during primary care appointments.
We will be hosting several vaccine clinics in rural and underserved communities to reach Veterans where they may live.
Each offsite clinic will offer appointment and/or walk-in availability. Documentation is not required. Details are as follows:
- April 9, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.: VFW Sarasota Sunshine Post 3233 (124 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237)
- April 12, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.: American Legion Bradenton Kirby Stewart Post 24 (2000 75th St. W, Bradenton, FL, 34209)
- April 13, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.: DayStar Life Center (1055 28th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712)
- April 17, 12:00p.m.-3:00p.m.: American Legion St. Pete Andy Anderson Post 125 (6440 5th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707)
- April 24, 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.: Manatee County Public Safety Complex Drive Thru (2101 47th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34203)
- May 15, 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.: Manatee County Public Safety Complex Drive Thru (2101 47th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34203)
Individuals can call our COVID-19 Call Center at 727-395-2400 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Still have questions about the vaccine?
Visit our COVID-19 webpage for more information.
Why should you consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine now?
A vaccine will help protect you, other Veterans and our staff by lowering the risk of getting an infection. Vaccines will also slow the spread of the virus protecting our families, friends, and neighbors.
What else you need to know.
You will need to receive two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, and one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine to be fully protected. Depending on the vaccine you receive, you may need to return to the location you received your first dose in either 21 or 28 days for your second dose.
After you receive the vaccine, it will still be important to continue wearing a mask in public, washing your hands, and staying at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you. It is our hope that a vaccine will help us all come through this pandemic together.
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