Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System

Seasonal Flu Shots Now Available for Enrolled Veterans

Veterans enrolled for health care through the Fayetteville VAMC can receive their annual flu shot through walk in flu clinics and by request during primary care appointments.  Receiving an annual vaccination is widely recognized as the best method for preventing disease and death related to influenza.

Veterans can receive the vaccine at their assigned primary care location Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Flu shots are also available for staff members through Occupational Health on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Veterans must show VA ID card to receive immunization.  Veterans should check with their primary care teams to verify the most current information as dates, times and availability are subject to change.

To learn more about the flu, check out the CD publication “Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine” at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Also, please note Veterans who are currently enrolled in VA care may walk into any Walgreens to receive a vaccination at no cost through the VA Retail Immunization Care Coordination Program.  After presenting a Veterans Identification Card and a photo ID, a Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine and transmits that information securely to VA where it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record.

This program is especially beneficial to enrolled Veterans who live in rural areas.   

The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu vaccination.

Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The viruses used aren't alive and can't cause the disease.

In fact most people who get the flu shot have no serious side effects or allergic reactions to it at all. Some may have redness or swelling on their arm where the shot was given. A very small number of people may get minor body aches, a headache, or a low-grade fever that lasts only a day or two. But studies have shown that getting the flu shot can reduce illness and death related to the flu.

All people age 6 months and older who want to reduce their risk of getting sick should get a flu shot. People more at risk of illness from the flu include:

• People with other health problems, like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
• People older than 50
• Women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant
• People caring for an infant or a family member with health problems
• Health care personnel