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Tampa VA hospital seeks volunteers for coronavirus vaccine trial

More than 50 VA medical centers are participating in trials to test vaccines and treatments.
 
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and clinics serve 93,000 people throughout Tampa Bay.
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and clinics serve 93,000 people throughout Tampa Bay.
Published Nov. 18, 2020

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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