Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

COVID-19 Vaccines

VA is providing the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines, as authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Supply varies by facility. Get more information about COVID-19 vaccines at VA.

We are working to vaccinate as many eligible individuals as quickly as possible.

Easier access to vaccines and more people eligible

VA is adding walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at all VA facilities and outpatient clinics that offer COVID-19 vaccines. Please check hours for vaccination clinics.

Congress has passed a law which allows us to offer COVID-19 vaccines to the following groups who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine:

• Veterans
• Spouse of a Veteran
• Caregivers of a Veteran
• Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits

If you don't receive care at VA, we encourage you to pre-register online at least one hour before you go, to save time when you arrive. While at VA you will need to wear a face mask, and physical distancing measures will be in place. For more about vaccinations at VA, visit: www.va.gov/covidvaccine.

Note: Your employer, pharmacy, or local public health officials may offer you a COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to take the first opportunity you have to get a vaccine at the most convenient location for you.

At this time, we're offering COVID-19 vaccines to these two groups when the Veteran is eligible based on VA and CDC risk criteria:

• Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care or currently receive care at VA
• Designated primary and secondary family caregivers who are enrolled in our Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and come with the Veteran to get a vaccine

These groups are now also eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as supply allows:

• All Veterans 
• Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans
• 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

COVID-19 vaccine is available at all locations, by appointment or walk-in's through the hours of 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., Monday through Friday.

We are hosting several COVID-19 vaccine clinics offsite in communities throughout our region. Each 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 23, 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.: Bethel Community Baptist Church (2901 54^th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712)

• 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)

Please call our COVID-19 Call Center at (727) 395-2400 for more information or to schedule your appointment. Please remain patient on the line as we are experiencing a higher call volume than normal.