The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is ready for flu season and so is the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. VA has increased vaccine availability this year in anticipation of high demand during the coronavirus pandemic and increased locations where veterans can get their flu shots. The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of influenza-associated illness and hospitalization.   

Getting vaccinated is more important than ever this season to reduce individual risk, minimize the spread of flu to people at high risk, and to prevent health care facilities from being overwhelmed with patients with the flu and/or COVID-19. Flu prevention strategies include vaccination, wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently and practicing physical distancing, largely the same as those for COVID-19.

CAVHCS began offering drive-thru flu shot clinics for all eligible veterans starting on Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on designated days.

• Perry Hill Campus−Main Entrance/Patient Dropoff (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays)

• Tuskegee Campus−Building 83 Entrance (Wednesdays)

• Montgomery VA Clinic (Chantilly)−Main Entrance Lobby (Tuesdays)

Flu vaccinations can also be obtained at Community Based Outpatient Clinics during any scheduled appointment with your care team.

Suppose veterans do not have an appointment and want to receive the flu vaccination. In that case, veterans can call their primary care team to be seen. Veterans are asked to bring a VA health care ID, wear a loose-fitting, short sleeve shirt and wear a mask.

Eligible veterans can also receive a no-cost seasonal flu shot at one of more than 60,000 Community Care Network (CCN)in-network retail pharmacies and urgent care locations. Find your nearest in-network community location at www.va.gov/find-locations.

No appointment or VA referral is required. Veterans need to present valid government-issued identification, such as a Veteran Health ID Card, Department of Defense ID card, state-issued driver’s license or ID card. 

If you’re not currently receiving health care through VA, find out if you’re eligible and how to apply now. https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.

VA Flu Clinics are for enrolled veterans only. No appointment is needed to get vaccinated at a drive-thru clinic. If you get vaccinated outside the VA, for example, at a local pharmacy, please inform your provider through secure messaging or tell us at your next visit.

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