Fighting Flu Together: Get Immunized
Veterans Flu Immunizations in 2020
As we move forward together through the COVID-19 pandemic, wellness and safety are our top priorities. With flu season upon us, vaccination is the best protection we have in fighting and controlling influenza. This year, the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering more ways than ever to protect you and those around you from the flu.
VA is participating in a robust Community Care Network to offer Veterans free flu shots at 60,000 locations nationwide including CVS, Costco, Kroger’s, Safeway, Wegmans, Walmart and other Community Care Network locations.
Visit http://www.va.gov/find-locations/ to find a current in-network location near you. No appointment or VA referral is required. Just present your valid VA identification card or a valid government-issued identification to receive your no-cost flu shot.
Fighting Flu Together: Get Immunized
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year in the era of COVID-19, getting a flu shot is more important than ever as health care systems could be overwhelmed treating both flu patients and those with COVID-19. For this reason, VA is participating in a robust Community Care Network to offer Veterans free flu shots at 60,000 locations nationwide including CVS, Costco, Kroger’s, Safeway, Wegmans, Walmart and other Community Care Network locations.
Visit http://www.va.gov/find-locations to find a current in-network location near you. No appointment or VA referral is required. Just present your valid VA identification card or a valid government-issued identification to receive your no-cost flu shot.
Flu Shots from an In-Network Pharmacy or Urgent Care Location
Veterans planning to get their free flu shots from an in-network pharmacy or urgent care location, may wish to print the following Community Care Flu Flyer to take with them when they receive their immunization.
Community Care Flu Flyer
Flu shots will also be available during your scheduled appointment at a VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic or in Primary Care. Please remember that to maintain safety and physical distancing during COVID-19, appointments are required.
VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
Flu shots are available Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. during your scheduled clinic appointment.
- Southeast, DC CBOC
- Ft. Belvoir, Va. CBOC
- Camp Springs, Md. CBOC
- Charlotte Hall, Md. CBOC
- Gaithersburg, Md. CBOC
- Lexington Park, Md. CBOC
Received Your Flu Shot? Now what?
If you get your flu shot outside the VA, please help us keep your records updated. You may contact your provider via secure messaging on MyHealtheVet or mail a note to the Washington DC VA Medical Center, Attn: Flu Clinic, 50 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20422 containing the following information:
Full Name & last 4 numbers of SSN
Date flu shot was received
Facility where flu shot was received
Healthy Habits to Fight Flu
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Here are some other ideas:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and avoid errands if you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Remember to wear your face coverings and stay six feet apart.
What To Do If You Experience Flu Symptoms
Stay away from others.
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.
If, however, you have symptoms of flu and are in a high-risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
If you are in the DC-area and you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call 202-745-8000, option 3, before visiting us.
Veterans who plan to get receive their flu immunization from an in-network retail pharmacy or urgent care location, may wish to print the following flyer and take with them to the network location.
Flu Shots from an In-Network Pharmacy or Urgent Care Location
Veterans planning to get their free flu shots from an in-network pharmacy or urgent care location, may wish to print the following Community Care Flu Flyer to take with them when they receive their immunization.
Community Care Flu Flyer
