COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hours Expanded At VA Bay Pines

BAY PINES, FL — Veterans Affairs Bay Pines expanded walk-in hours at its COVID-19 vaccine clinic, the federal hospital said Tuesday.

The new hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bay Pines VA. Veterans, spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA beneficiaries can receive vaccines at the campus, the VA said.

Based on the passing of the SAVES LIVES Act, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is offering COVID-19 vaccines to:

• All Veterans (anyone who served in the military regardless of character of discharge)
• Spouses and surviving spouses of Veterans (For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, defined as a spouse to include marriage, same-sex and common-law marriages. This includes a widow or widower of a veteran. If you characterize your relationship as spousal, you can receive the vaccine.)
• Caregivers of Veterans (For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, a caregiver is defined 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

Vaccinations are also being administered to veterans during primary care appointments, and in several offsite locations throughout the Southwest Florida community.

The offsite locations and dates are listed below:

• April 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Bethel Community Baptist Church, 2901 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg
• April 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Manatee County Public Safety Complex Drive-Thru, 2101 47th Terrace E, Bradenton
• May 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..: Manatee County Public Safety Complex Drive-Thru, 2101 47th Terrace E, Bradenton

Each offsite clinic will offer appointment and/or walk-in availability to all that are eligible under the expanded authority of the SAVE LIVES Act as described above, officials said. Documentation is not required.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call COVID-19 Call Center at 727-395-2400. You can also visit the VA website for more information.