Skip to Content

The following pages are updated daily to help Veteran and VA Employees navigate this ongoing response from Hurricane Helene. 
Email: vhaashpubaff@va.gov  to add resources.

Facility Operations and Updates | Staff Updates | Disaster Recovery Resources

Veterans Disaster Response Line 24/7: 1-800-507-4571
 

Be a Flu Fighter!

Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect your community. Plan to get your flu shot. Starting Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, all enrolled Veterans at the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System will have the opportunity to receive a free flu shot.

There are five opportunities to receive your flu shot:

 

There are five opportunities to receive your flu shot:

Option 1: Scheduled appointments. If you already have a scheduled appointment, you may receive your flu shot at that time. Includes Primary Care, Specialty Care Clinics and the Franklin, Hickory, and Rutherford County Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

Option 2: During in-patient hospitalization. You may ask for or be offered a flu shot before being discharged from hospital.

Option 3: Flu Shot “Drive-Thru” Clinic. Flu shots will be available curbside during designated times (see table below) at the Charles George VA Medical Center, Franklin, and Rutherfordton CBOCs.

Option 4: Flu Shot “Walk-In” Clinic. Walk in Flu shots will be available at the PC Vaccine Clinic in Building 70, Room 123, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Franklin CBOC will offer walk-in Flu Vaccines 0730-1600, Hickory CBOC will offer walk-in Flu Vaccines (M, Tu, Th, F 8:00-3:00) (W 8:00-12:00)

Option 5: Community Care Network: Enrolled Veterans (who received care through either a VA or community provider within the past 24 months) can now receive a flu shot through the Community Care Network (CCN). CCN in-retail contracted pharmacies or urgent care/walk-in care locations (standalone visit) will provide flu shots at no cost with no copayment. Retail pharmacy examples are CVS Pharmacy, COSTCO Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy.

We look forward to serving you and providing a flu shot at your earliest convenience! 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Flu Shot Drive Thru Clinic

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment required.

What are the dates and times?

Charles George VA Medical Center

0800- 1530 Mondays and Fridays
0800-1900 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday


Franklin CBOC

0800-1500
Wednesday, September 25th 0800-1500
Thursday, September 26th 0800-1600
Wednesday, October 4th 0800-1500
Wednesday, October 18th 0800-1500

Will the VA offer different vaccines based on my age?

Yes.  If you are 65 years of age or older, you will be offered the Fluzone® Quadrivalent High Dose for 65 years and older which provides a stronger immune response and is indicated for individuals over 65.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends preferential use of a higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine for persons 65 years old or older.  If you are younger than 65 years of age, you will be offered the Fluzone® Quadrivalent 6 months and older which is a standard dose quadrivalent vaccine.  Both vaccines can protect you from four types of flu.

Will my spouse be able to get a flu shot at the VA?

No. Spouses and caregivers will not be able to receive a flu shot at the facility or the CBOCs.

What should I wear?

On the day of the clinic, we ask that you please wear a loose-fitting short sleeve shirt (or tank top), as you will need to roll up your sleeve.

What to expect at the Drive Thru Clinic?

· You will receive a handout about the influenza vaccine and a list of allergy questions.

· The nurse will administer a flu shot while you sit in your vehicle. For everyone’s safety, please stay in your car and wear face mask.

· After receiving the flu shot, you will be directed to a parking area to wait 15 minutes for monitoring. Although rare, allergic reactions can occur.

Community Care Network:

When can I get my flu shot in the community?

Now

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment or referral is required. However, recommend calling ahead to make sure they offer the flu vaccine you want.

Can Veterans get a high-dose influenza vaccine?

Yes. Flu vaccine provided include standard (quadrivalent) and high-dose for Veterans aged 65 years and older.

How do I check my eligibility?

Call selected option 1, then option 3, and then option 1 again.

· Veterans can get a flu shot without prior authorization.

· Family members and beneficiaries are not eligible.

· Individuals who are not eligible and receive a flu vaccine may be liable for the cost of the vaccine.

Are there instructions on how to locate a participating in-network pharmacy or urgent care provider?

Yes, there are two options: Option 1: Go to www.VA.gov/find-locations

· Enter city, state or postal code

· Under Facility type, select:

· “Urgent care” OR “Community pharmacies (in VA’s network)

· If you select “Urgent Care”, choose “In-network community urgent care”.

· Click Search and select provider

 

Option 2:

· Call for help locating an in-network provider

What to bring when I see a provider in the community?

· Call ahead to make sure they offer the flu vaccine.

· Print and bring Billing Information (www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/programs/OCC-Billing-Information-Card.pdf) to take with you or have viewable on mobile device.

When you arrive:

· Tell them you’re a Veteran enrolled in VA health care, AND

· You would like to get a flu shot, paid for by VA.

· Show your government-issued ID and Billing Information

If I have questions or need help getting a community care flu shot?

Call the Office of Community Care National Contact Center at for assistance.

Are there any copayments?

No. There is no copayment charge if Veteran’s visit consists only of a flu shot. Flu shot-only visits do not count towards visits and/or copayments associated with using VA’s urgent care benefit.

Do I need to bring my VHIC card?

Yes, you should tell the in-network community care staff that you are an eligible Veteran who is enrolled with the VA and show a government-issued identification (e.g., Veterans Health Identification Card or driver’s license).

COVID-19 and Flu Shots

Can I receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines (like the flu shot) may be given together. If you receive more than one vaccine at a single visit, the vaccines will be given in different arms. Protect yourself and others, get vaccinated. For more information, please review the CDC website “Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States”.

Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC.

Influenza Vaccine and Flu Information

What is influenza (flu)?

Flu is a contagious virus that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant people, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk of flu complications. If you have a medical condition, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, flu can make it worse.

In an average year, thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor each year. Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

Get a flu shot in the fall as soon as it’s available, so you are protected the entire flu season. You will need to get a new flu shot very year to protect yourself from the flu viruses circulating this season.

How long does it take before I am protected?

After you get a flu shot, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to make enough antibodies to protect you against flu. Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system that identify and help remove foreign targets such as viruses and bacteria. The flu shot helps your body build these antibodies to fight flu viruses and prevent you from getting sick.

Can I get the flu from a flu shot?

No. this is a common misconception. You cannot get the flu from a flu shot because only inactive (dead) flu virus is used to make the flu shot. If you get the flu soon after getting a flu shot this could mean:

· You were exposed to the flu virus before the flu shot took effect.

· You have a weak immune system or other illness that causes your body to take longer to make antibodies and build immunity.

· Your body fails to make antibodies after getting a flu shot.

· The flu shot does not match all the flu viruses that are currently spreading.

· The flu shot does reduce but does not eliminate the risk of acquiring the flu, the main purpose of the flu shot is that it greatly reduces the chance of a severe complication from the flu.

Why do I need a flu shot every year?

Flu viruses can change over time, so every year the flu shot vaccine is updated to protect against the flu viruses most likely to spread that year. The viruses may change after the flu shot is made. Even if this happens, you will still get some protection from the flu shot.

What side effects should I expect after receiving a flu shot?

Most side effects are milt to moderate and are temporary. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, and swelling where the shot is given, fever, muscle aches, and headache can happen after influenza vaccination.

Do I need to provide my Primary Care Team with documentation that I received the flu shot in the community?

Yes. If you receive a flu shot outside the VA, please ask for a copy of your vaccination record. Please telephone your Primary Care Clinic and provide them with the name of the pharmacy or provider and the date (month and year) you received a flu shot. You can also send a Secure Message via MyHealtheVet and provide the same information.

To learn more:

· Ask your health care provider

· Call your local or state health department · Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu

· Review CDC Influenza Vaccine Information Statement: Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Information Statement | CDC

· Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information at www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines