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Department of Human Resource Management
Office of State Health Benefits
October 21, 2026
State Health Benefits Launches 2026-27 Flu Shot Program
It’s the time of year for getting a flu shot to protect yourself and those you love. Please encourage employees to get a flu shot. During the 2026-27 flu season, state health plan members may again get a free flu shot through a variety of ways.
Participating Pharmacies:
• COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware members may receive shots at no cost from network physicians’ offices and other participating providers.
• Kaiser Permanente HMO members must go to a participating Kaiser medical center.
• Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO members will receive flu shots at no cost from network participating pharmacies. To find participating pharmacies, call the number on the back of your ID card.
• Capitol Square Healthcare (now located at its new address in the James Madison Building Upper Basement, Suite 55, 109 Governor Street Richmond, VA 23219) will offer free shots onsite to COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware members by appointment only (walk-ins are not accepted). Kaiser Permanente members, Sentara Health Plan members, TRICARE members, waived and wage employees must pay for the vaccine. Members should call the clinic in advance for an appointment at (804) 628-6501.
Visit https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits/health-benefits/flushotinformation to find participating providers, questions and answers on each plan and a flyer to distribute to employees. It is important that plan members call ahead to be sure the pharmacy is participating in the program and flu shots are available. An appointment may be required.
Agency Flu Shot Guidance:
See the flu shot guidelines for agencies that wish to coordinate flu shots onsite with participating pharmacies or offer drive through or walk-up options. Again, be sure that the pharmacy is participating in the Commonwealth’s program before scheduling a clinic.
A pharmacy must file in-network flu shot claims through its online system. If plan members are denied coverage for the flu shot, they should ask the pharmacist to call the telephone number on the back of their ID card for assistance.
While members may receive a flu shot at a non-network pharmacy, coverage will be at the out-of-network benefit level. This means they will likely have to file the claim themselves and will be responsible for any costs over the allowable charge.
Please do not reply to this email. You may send inquiries to the Office of Health Benefits mailbox at ohb@dhrm.virginia.gov.
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