James A. Haley VA Hospital Offering Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

TAMPA, FL — James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital & Clinics is now offering coronavirus vaccine to all veterans who are patients of the JAHVH system of care, regardless of age or medical condition.

Vaccines are free and will be available by appointment only as supply allows at the main hospital and several clinics throughout Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Polk and Citrus counties. Veterans can get the latest information on Tampa VA’s COVID-19 Vaccine website.

The facility will also incorporate the Janssen vaccine into its ongoing vaccination efforts following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization for this vaccine on Feb. 27. This new vaccine requires only one does. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines require a second dose.

“James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics is eager to add a third highly effective vaccine to our already-robust vaccination operations,” said David VanMeter, interim director. “This one-dose vaccine strengthens our ability to reach veterans in rural areas, for example, and will help us achieve our ultimate goal of offering COVID-19 vaccination to all veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”

In clinical trials, the Janssen vaccine showed an efficacy of 66 percent against moderate to severe/critical COVID-19 occurring at least 28 days after vaccination — and demonstrated greater than 85 percent efficacy in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 disease occurring at least 28 days after vaccination.

As of March 5, JAHVH provided both doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to more than 50,000 veterans, employees and federal partners, leaving VA medical centers for vaccine distribution.

Tampa VA will reach out to veterans to schedule an appointment at one of its vaccination sites. Patients may also notify their primary care team of their interest in receiving the vaccine.

VA policy stipulates that veterans are required to enroll with the VA to receive health care. Enrollees must meet certain eligibility requirements, which may include income limits. Veterans may check their eligibility and enrollment status by clicking here.

See related story: James A. Haley Hospital Begins Process Of Vaccinating Veterans