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Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines available at Southeastern NC VA facilities

PRESS RELEASE

December 5, 2023

Fayetteville , NC — The 2023-2024 respiratory illness season will be the first time that vaccines for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations—Flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are available at the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Flu and COVID Vaccines

The types of flu and COVID-19 vaccines you can get are based on your age and other factors. Your health care provider can help you decide which options are best for you.

Flu and COVID-19 are contagious diseases that affect millions of Americans each year. These diseases can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. The seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine can help reduce these risks. The updated COVID-19 vaccine can also reduce your risk of developing Long COVID.  The CDC offers the most recent recommendations. 

 

RSV Vaccines 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, infants and older adults (Over 60) are more likely to develop severe RSV. This can lead to hospitalization.  If you are a Veteran who is 60 years and older, talk with your health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for you, especially if you have an underlying medical condition that may put you at higher risk for severe RSV infection. 

 

Where Can I Get Vaccinated? 

  • Veterans enrolled in VA health care can go to a nearest VA hospital or clinic. Call ahead or send your provider a secure message on www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home to make sure the vaccine you want is available. 
  • To get a no-cost vaccine, the provider must be part of VA’s community care network. If you receive a flu shot from a non-network provider, you may be liable for the cost of the vaccine.

 

Eligibility

You are eligible to receive a no-cost flu shot at an in-network retail pharmacy or urgent care location if:

  • You are enrolled in the VA health care system, AND,
  • You received care from a VA provider or an in-network community care provider within the past 24 months.

 

Talk to your provider if you have questions about vaccines. For more info on the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, visit CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC

 

Media contacts

Gail Cureton, Public Affairs Officer

(910) 488-2120 ext. 7092

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