Influenza season is upon us | va sioux falls health care | veterans affairs

Seasonal influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase in most parts of the country. Here you will find some important information on obtaining a flu shot. FLU SHOTS Getting a flu

shot protects you, your family, and your community from flu. And if you need, you now can safely get vaccinated for COVID at the same time you get a flu shot – one visit, two vaccines.

(Call ahead to make sure COVID vaccine available). WHERE TO FIND A FLU SHOT NEAR YOU Eligible Veterans can get a no-cost flu shot from a nearby VA clinic or within your community from one of

nearly 65,000 in-network pharmacies or urgent care locations.  Learn more from this fact sheet. Flu vaccines are usually available September through April. Use our on-line VA locator. KEEP

IN MIND: * To get a no-cost vaccine, the provider must be part of VA’s community care network. * If you receive a flu shot from a non-network provider, you may be liable for the cost of the

vaccine. * Retail pharmacies include most supermarket and local pharmacies. * Many urgent care locations offer walk-in care. * Call ahead to see if a pharmacy or urgent care site: *

participates in the VA flu shot program. * offers the specific flu vaccine that you want. ELIGIBILITY You are eligible to receive a no-cost flu shot at an in-network retail pharmacy or

urgent care location if: * You are enrolled in the VA health care system, AND, * You received care from a VA provider or an in-network community care provider within the past 24 months. How

do I know if I am eligible? * Call 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) Select option 1 (urgent care information) Select option 3 (urgent care information) Select option 1 (check urgent care

eligibility) The system will verify your eligibility for the community urgent care benefit, which includes the flu vaccination. * Or call your local VA facility * Your state may have age and

health-related restrictions. NOTE: FAMILY MEMBERS AND BENEFICIARIES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. FIND A NO-COST FLU SHOT NEAR YOU To find a VA medical facility, in-network urgent care or retail

pharmacy near you, use our VA locator and: * Enter the city, state, or postal ZIP code for your location * Choose a Facility Type from the drop down menu * Select VA health for VA medical

center locations * Select Urgent Care, for “All in-network urgent care” * Select Community pharmacies (in VA’s network) * Click search * Choose a provider VISITING THE LOCATION/PROVIDER

There is no cost or copay to you if your visit is only for a flu shot. For assistance with in-network community flu shots, call 877-881-7618 or your local VA medical facility. Before you go:

  * Call to ensure the urgent care provider or retail pharmacy offers the no-cost flu shot to Veterans * Ask about the vaccine type you are seeking (some flu vaccines are for people aged 65

and older). * Bring the billing information located here (print it or take a screenshot on your phone) When you arrive: * Tell the provider you are a Veteran enrolled in VA health care. *

Tell them you would like to receive the flu shot paid for by VA. * Show your government-issued ID and the billing information located here. (Pull up this page when you’re getting your flu

shot.) UPDATING MY MEDICAL RECORD The community provider will send your flu shot information to VA. VA will update your medical record. You can also request a copy of your flu shot record

and provide it to your VA provider. This article is abstracted from the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention website.