Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Launches Annual Flu Shot Campaign

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“We cannot overemphasize the importance of Veterans receiving an annual flu shot,” said Bay Pines VA Deputy Director Kristine Brown, who champions the annual campaign. “Getting your shot early allows your body the chance to be ready before cases rise in the winter months.”

Florida has the third-highest number of Veterans in the country, with many of them being Veterans from WWII and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Center for Disease Control states that Veterans from those eras, along with those affected by heart disease, asthma, and diabetes are deemed high-risk for developing complications should they get sick.

“We feel confident that the work we’re doing now is vital to mitigating the spread of the flu virus and mitigating potential illnesses and complications for every Veteran, family member, and caregiver we serve,” continued Brown.

Enrolled Veterans can receive their flu shots on a walk-in basis at the following locations, until further notice:

• C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Building 100, First Floor, MOD D
  • Monday – Friday, 6 to 9 a.m., Building 100, First Floor, Laboratory (adjacent to main entrance)
• Lee County Healthcare Clinic:
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., First Floor, between Canteen and 1B desk
• Sarasota VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Bradenton VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Naples VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• North Pinellas VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Port Charlotte VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sebring VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Petersburg VA Clinic
  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No-cost flu shots are also available at retail pharmacies, like CVS, and urgent care locations. To locate a VA medical facility, in-network urgent care, or retail pharmacy near you, use the VA Locator, and follow the steps below:

• Enter the city, state, or postal ZIP code for your location.
• Choose a Facility Type from the drop-down menu.
• Select VA health for VA medical center locations.
• Select Urgent Care, for “All in-network urgent care.”
• Select Community pharmacies (in VA’s network).
• Click search.
• Choose a provider.

Updated information is available on the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Website, in addition to Facebook.