VA Offers Free Flu Shots For Veterans

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Veteran getting flu shot

Editor's note: All veterans currently enrolled in the VA medical system can walk into any of the over 8,000 Walgreens locations nationally and the Duane Reade pharmacies in the NYC area to get a free flu shot. Veterans must present a VA ID card and photo ID. None of the veteran's health information is given to Walgreens.

This program is especially beneficial to rural veterans who live in rural areas, because many may live far from a VA medical facility.

Free Flu Shots

That's right, Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare system can get free flu shots at their local VA health facility or at their neighborhood Walgreens.

Many people don't get the flu shot because it can be inconvenient, or because they don't think the flu is that serious. While the flu may not be serious for most healthy adults, it can be pretty annoying to get the flu and spend a week or so sick in bed.

Why Get The Flu Shot Every Year?

Flu viruses can change over time, so every year the flu shot vaccine is updated to protect against the flu viruses most likely to spread that year.

If you're in a high-risk group, you can become extremely ill from the flu. Be sure to take special precautions to prevent flu if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • HIV
  • Kidney disease
  • Lung disease
  • Weakened immune systems

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Those more at risk of illness and complications from the flu include:

  • People age 65 and older
  • People with health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease and other chronic illnesses or conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • Caregivers of infants or family members with health problems

Where Can I Get a Flu Shot?

VA is committed to keeping veterans healthy, and during flu season vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. No matter where you live, visit your local VA clinic or Walgreens to get a free quadrivalent flu shot.

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