No-Cost VA Flu Shots for Eligible Veterans

VA Maine Options for Getting a Flu Shot:

Drive-up FLU Events (preferred):

• Portland VA Clinic: 10/14 - 9:00am - 1:00pm
• Lewiston VA Clinic: 10/14 - 9:00am - 1:00pm
• Bangor VA Clinic: 10/7 & 10/14 - 8:00am - 1:00pm
• Togus VA Medical Center: 10/7 & 10/14 - 7:00am - 1:00pm

 

Outpatient visit:    

• Offered during your routine Primary Care appointment.
• Between Sept 20th and Oct 31st:  
  1. Schedule a vaccine appointment by calling 207-623-8411 x-7490.
  2. Walk-in Clinics availability:
     • Portland VA Clinic: Fridays - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
     • Lewiston VA Clinic: Fridays - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
     • Rumford VA Clinic: Wednesdays & Fridays - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
     • Bangor VA Clinic: No Walk-in Flu Clinics
     • Lincoln VA Clinic: Mondays & Fridays - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
     • Calais VA Clinic: Fridays - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
     • Caribou VA Clinic: Wednesdays - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
     • Togus VA Medical Center: No Walk-in Flu Clinics ( There will be flu shots available at our Specialty Care Addition Open House on 9/25 - 11:00am - 1:00pm)

 

When it comes to flu shots, the easiest way is through the VA, but if you are unable to attend one of the events above or get your flu shot at your next Primary Care appointment, here is how you can get a flu shot in the community: 

Flu Shots in Your Community:

Get a no-cost flu shot in your local community.

Eligible Veterans can choose from more than 70,000 in-network retail pharmacies and urgent care/walk-in locations to get their flu shot from Sept. 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024.

Who can get a flu shot at a community provider?

You are eligible to receive a flu shot at in-network retail pharmacy/urgent care 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

How can I verify my eligibility?

• Call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411)

Select option 1 (urgent care information)

Select option 3 (urgent care information)

Select option 1 (check urgent care eligibility)

The system will verify your eligibility for the community urgent care benefit, which includes the flu vaccination.

• Or call your local VA facility

NOTE: Family members and beneficiaries are not eligible.

 

BEFORE YOU GO

 Bring the billing information flyer below to your retail pharmacy or urgent care flu shot visit:

Print the billing information flyer

 

Where can I get a no-cost flu shot?

To locate a VA medical facility, in-network urgent care or retail pharmacy near you, use the VA Locator, here’s how:

• Enter the city, state or postal ZIP code for your location.
• Choose a Facility Type from the drop down:
• 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

What should I know before I go?

Before you go:

• Call ahead to ensure the vaccine type you are seeking is available
• Bring the billing information flyer located here (print it or take a screenshot on your phone)

When you arrive:

• Tell the provider you are a Veteran enrolled in VA health care.
• Tell them you would like to receive the flu shot paid for by VA.
• Show your government-issued ID and the billing information flyer located above. (Print, take a screenshot or pull up this page at time of vaccine.)
• There is no cost to you if your visit is only for a flu shot. 
• You should not pay a copay if you only get a flu shot.

• For assistance with in-network community flu shots, call 877-881-7618 or your local VA medical facility.

 

Who updates my medical records?

The community provider will send your flu shot vaccination documentation to VA or you can also request a copy of your flu shot documentation and provide it to your VA provider. (Please know a processing delay will occur in updating medical records.)

 

Related links

• Flu shot page: www.prevention.va.gov/flu
• www.cdc.gov/flu
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