TAMPA — The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital began clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine last week and continues to seek volunteers, including those who are not military veterans, according to a spokesperson.
On Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that more than 50 VA medical centers are participating in trials to test vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.
“Volunteering for our trials is a way people can help our country more quickly find vaccines and treatments to end the pandemic and get life back to normal,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in a statement.
At the VA medical center in Tampa, the trial is for a single-dose investigational vaccine developed by Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, according to a statement.
Men and non-pregnant women over 18 can sign up on the VA website. The Tampa study has a focus on frontline staff and essential workers, and Black, Hispanic and Native American volunteers.
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in St. Petersburg also is conducting COVID-19 research trials, according to a spokesperson. The qualifications to participate vary by study. Veteran patients can learn more at va.gov/coronavirus-research.
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