Veteran caregivers, spouses now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

Doctor administers COVID-19 vaccine
Doctor administers COVID-19 vaccine
Mongkolchon Akesin via Shutterstock

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to the spouses and caregivers of all veterans currently receiving care at any NF/SGVHS facilities.

President Joe Biden signed the Save Lives Act into law on Wednesday, expanding VA’s legal authority to provide COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans and spouses and caregivers.

“The VA still has a limited supply of vaccines and we are working to determine how quickly we can begin offering to additional groups identified in the Save Lives Act,” a NF/SGVHS press release said.

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The VA encourages veterans who are not currently receiving care at the VA and their spouses or caregivers to take the first opportunity they have to get a vaccine at the most convenient location—whether from their employer, pharmacy, or local public health officials.

Enrolled NF/SGVHS veterans can opt to receive the vaccine at one of the VA sites of care by scheduling an appointment at 352-548-6000 ext. 103755. Appointments at community-based outpatient clinics are still limited. Veterans can schedule an appointment in Gainesville, Lake City, The Villages, Jacksonville, the Sergeant Ernest I. “Boots” Thomas VA Clinic or by attending one of the health system’s walk-up vaccination events.

Each NF/SGVHS location has different operational plans in place. Current COVID-19 vaccine administration sites and their operational status are as follows: 

– Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (Gainesville area), 1601 SW Archer Rd. Gainesville. Drive thru COVID-19 vaccine clinic from March 29- April 2, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment needed.

– Lake City American Legion Post #57 (Lake City area), 2602 SW Main Blvd., Lake City. Walk-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic from March 29 to April 2, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment needed.

Veterans who have received any other vaccination in the last 14 days or have any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms will not be vaccinated. Veterans must present to the same location to receive their second dose unless they receive the one-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. 

Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA’s eligibility website to learn more.

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