In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, VA Research has undertaken a wide array of activities to help Veterans affected by the disease. These efforts have focused on establishing and taking part in clinical trials and data analysis aimed at understanding and treating COVID-19. VA Research has collaborated with multiple partners—like pharmaceutical companies—to identify the areas in which VA could make the greatest contribution to combatting the novel coronavirus.

Amid shortage of face masks, researchers explore 3D options to guard against COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a high demand for respiratory protection among health care workers in hospitals. VA researchers experimented with 3D-printed masks as a substitute for the widely used N95s... (05/27/2021)

COVID-19 ‘long-haulers’ face increased risk of death and many other health problems
A large VA study shows that people who have had COVID-19 are at heightened risk of both death and many health problems....(04/26/2021)

Using genetics, researchers identify potential drugs for early treatment of COVID-19
A new study using genetics suggests researchers should prioritize clinical trials of existing drugs that target two proteins to manage COVID-19 in its early stages.... (04/09/2021)

Deep freeze
A VA research facility in Albuquerque is storing Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in an ultra-cold freezer system for use by Native Americans in four Southwestern states.... (03/11/2021)

Researchers optimistic about ability of anti-inflammatory drug to treat COVID-19 patients
The FDA has approved rapid access to an anti-inflammatory drug that has shown promise in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.... (12/18/2020)

Marine Veteran encourages others to sign up for registry
Marine Veteran John Gutierrez is willing to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial so in the end other people will not contract the virus and struggle with it like he has.... (01/13/2021)

VA official encourages minorities to make educated decisions about participating in COVID-19 trials
Dr. Sabrina Clark, an African American, is distinguishing her willingness to be part of the COVID-19 research volunteer list from her willingness to volunteer for a study.... (01/07/2021)

Former Navy Surgeon General wants Veterans to know that vaccines are safe and effective for most
Dr. Adam Robinson knows that equal representation in clinical trials is critically important. That's why he signed up to test new vaccines for COVID-19.... (01/05/2021)

Veteran determined to help 'win this war' against COVID-19
After deploying to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, Navy Veteran Lee Becker is eager to serve his country by supporting COVID-19 vaccine and treatment efforts.... (12/30/2020)

Continuing to serve: Army Veteran signs up for coronavirus research
Veteran Jeremy Wheeler knows how important service can be. He was inspired to sign up for VA's research volunteer list by his wife, who is a clinical scientist.... (12/28/2020)

Putting beliefs into action: fighting COVID-19
Veteran Michele Jones says she volunteered for VA research on COVID-19 to make sure that new vaccines will be effective for a diverse group of people.... (12/22/2020)

Diabetes linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes

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Diabetes is linked to worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection, according to a VA Puget Sound study. Researchers looked at outcomes form nearly 36,000 VA patients who tested positive for COVID-19. Patients with diabetes had greater odds of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death than patients without diabetes. Prior use of the diabetes medication sulfonylurea was linked to increased odds of hospitalization. Prior insulin use was linked to increased odds of both hospitalization and death. Statin use was associated with lower chance of death, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were associated with lower odds of hospitalization. The results show that diabetes can increase the danger posed by COVID-19. (BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, June 2021)

COVID-19 vaccines largely effective in inflammatory bowel disease patients taking immunosuppressants

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Vaccination against COVID-19 proved mostly effective in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, found a Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center study. Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines mostly excluded patients taking immunosuppressive medication, which keep the immune system in check. The researchers studied outcomes for nearly 15,000 patients taking medication for inflammatory bowel disease. Full vaccination—meaning patients were at least a week past the second vaccine dose—showed 80% effectiveness against COVID-19. Unvaccinated patients in this population had a much higher rate of COVID-19 infection than vaccinated patients. Partial vaccination did not significantly reduce the hazard of infection. The results could help increase patient and provider willingness to vaccinate immunosuppressed patients, say the researchers. (Gastroenterology, May 25, 2021)

Most adult COVID-19 patients develop antibodies

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Most adults with COVID-19 develop antibodies that stay in the body after infection, according to a review by VA Portland researchers. The researchers surveyed studies published on COVID-19 in 2020. They found that most adults had detectable levels of antibodies after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Levels of IgM, short-term antibodies that protect from initial infection, peak at about 20 days after infection and then decline. IgG—longer-term antibodies—levels peak about 25 days after symptom onset and remain detectable for at least 120 days. Some evidence suggests that older age, greater COVID-19 severity, and presence of symptoms may be linked to higher antibody levels. Some adults do not develop antibodies for unclear reasons. (Annals of Internal Medicine, March 16, 2021)

Increasing physical distance in schools not linked to fewer COVID-19 cases

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Maintaining three feet versus six feet of physical distance between students did not affect COVID-19 case rates, found a study by VA Boston researchers and colleagues. Researchers looked at COVID-19 infection data for nearly 540,000 students and more than 99,000 staff attending in-person schools in the Massachusetts public school system. They found that the infection rate was similar in districts with policies requiring three feet of physical distance, compared with districts requiring six feet. Increasing physical distance may not be necessary to prevent COVID-19 cases in schools, concluded the researchers, provided that universal mask mandates and other precautions are implemented. (Clinical Infectious Diseases, March 10, 2021)

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