Flu Vaccination Clinics for Eligible Veterans across Central Minnesota

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 09/17/2018 05:21 PM EDT

St. Cloud VA Healthcare System Update
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St. Cloud VA Health care
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Flu Vaccination Clinics for Eligible Veterans across Central Minnesota

 

A flu shot is an important part of staying healthy during the flu season, and this year Veterans served by the St. Cloud VA Health Care System have multiple options to get a flu shot. 

 

During flu season, flu shots are available as part of any scheduled VA appointment. Just ask the nurse or doctor at your next appointment.

 

In October, numerous walk-in clinics are available at local VA facilities:

 

St Cloud VA Medical Center, 4801 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud

  • Oct. 2, 3 & 4, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., in Bldg. 96
  • Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 (Tuesdays), 4:30 – 6 p.m., in Bldg. 1
  • Oct. 6, 13, 20, & 27 (Saturdays), 8 a.m. – Noon, in Bldg. 1
  • Oct. 1-5, 9-31 (weekdays), 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., in the Urgent Care Clinic

Alexandria VFW Post 936, 1102 3rd Ave. E., Alexandria

  • Oct. 12 & 26, Noon – 3:30 p.m.

Brainerd VA Clinic, 722 NW Seventh St., Brainerd 

  • Oct. 2, 10 & 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Montevideo VA Clinic, 1025 North 13th St., Montevideo

  • Oct. 1 & 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hutchinson National Guard Armory, 1200 Adams St. SE, Hutchinson

  • Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

VA flu clinics are for enrolled Veterans only. No appointment is necessary to get vaccinated at a walk-in clinic.

 

This year VA is offering one vaccine: the quadrivalent, standard-dose product with the brand name Afluria.™  High dose formulation flu vaccines (intended for those aged 65 and older) are not available through VA. The quadrivalent vaccine contains antigens from 4 strains of influenza virus. 

 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend any influenza vaccine over another as “preferred.” Veterans electing to pursue a different vaccine outside the VA are responsible for all associated costs.

 

Once again, VA has teamed up with Walgreens Pharmacies nationwide to allow all Veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system to be able walk into any Walgreens to receive a vaccination at no cost. 

 

The VA immunizations available at Walgreens use quadrivalent flu vaccine: other formulation flu vaccines are not available using the VA Walgreens program.

 

Veterans wishing to receive the vaccination at Walgreens simply need to present a Veterans Health Identification Card and a photo ID, at any participating Walgreens to receive the vaccination.

 

In addition, after the Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine Walgreens will transmit that information securely to VA where it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record.

 

Veterans getting vaccinated outside the VA or through Walgreens are asked to tell us about it at your next appointment.

 

VA is committed to keeping Veteran patients healthy, and vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu.  No matter where Veterans live, they can visit a local VA clinic or Walgreens to get a free flu shot. 

 

Print out this reminder for the dates and times of flu shots.