Vaccine against influenza
Getting the flu vaccine protects you, your family, and your community from the flu. And if you need it, you can now safely get your COVID vaccine at the same time as you get your flu shot – one visit, two shots. (Call ahead to ensure COVID vaccine is available).
Where to find a flu vaccine
Near you
Eligible Veterans can get a free flu shot at a nearby VA clinic or in your community from one of nearly 65,000 in-network pharmacies or urgent care centers. Learn more from this fact sheet. Flu shots are usually available from September to April. Use our online VA Locator.
Keep in mind:
- To get a free vaccine, the provider must be part of the VA Community Care Network.
- If you receive a flu vaccine from an out-of-network provider, you may be responsible for the cost of the vaccine.
- Retail pharmacies include most supermarkets and local pharmacies.
- Many urgent care centers offer walk-in care.
- Call ahead to find out if a pharmacy or urgent care site:
- participates in the VA flu vaccine program.
- offers the specific flu vaccine you want.
Eligibility
You are eligible to receive a free flu vaccine at an in-network retail pharmacy or urgent care center if:
- You are enrolled in the VA health system, AND,
- You received care from a VA provider or 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 (Emergency Care Information) Select Option 3 (Emergency Care Information) Select Option 1 (Check Eligibility emergency care) The system will check your eligibility for the community emergency care benefit, which includes flu vaccination.
- Or call your local VA facility
- Your state may have age and health restrictions.
NOTE: Family members and beneficiaries are not eligible.
Find a free 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 zip code of your location
- Choose an installation type from the drop-down menu
- Select VA Health for VA Medical Center Locations
- Select Urgent Care for “All Network Urgent Care”
- Some community pharmacies (in the VA network)
- Click Search
- Choose a supplier
Site/vendor visit
There is no cost or co-pay for you if your visit is solely to get your flu shot. For assistance with networked community flu vaccines, call 877-881-7618 or your local VA medical facility. Before you leave:
- Call to make sure the urgent care provider or retail pharmacy offers the flu shot at no cost to Veterans.
- Find out what type of vaccine you’re looking for (some flu vaccines are for people 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 billing information located here. (View this page when you get your flu shot.) Update my medical records
Update my medical record
The community provider will send your flu vaccine information to VA. VA will update your medical records. You can also request a copy of your flu vaccine record and provide it to your VA provider.
