Flu Season

Veterans will be able to receive their flu shot at all Outpatient Clinics.

No-cost flu shots are available at Orlando VA and to Veterans at many locations within the community.

Visit http://www.va.gov/find-locations or call to find a local in-network pharmacy or urgent care. Tell them you’re a Veteran enrolled in VA health care, and show your government-issued ID.

When you’re onsite, flu vaccinations are available at—

• Lake Nona Hospital: 1st Floor Lobby by the main elevators across from Help Desk, Clinic Side

      Monday-Friday, 1000-1500

      POC: 

• Lake Baldwin Clinic: South Entrance / Vaccine Clinic

      Monday-Friday, 0900-1400

      No Flu Shots 1st Tuesday of each month 1200-1600

      POC:

• Kissimmee Clinic: Lobby

      Monday & Wednesday, 0800-1200

      POC:

• Deltona Clinic: Back Lobby

      Monday & Wednesday, 0800-1200

      POC:

• Daytona Clinic: Lobby between Green & Red Team

      Monday-Friday, 1000-1400

      POC:

• Westside Pavilion: Appointment Only

      Appointment Only

      POC:

• Tavares: Front Desk

      Wednesday & Thursday, 0900-1200 & 1230-1430

      POC:

• Clermont: Front Desk

      Monday-Friday, 0900-1430

      POC:

• Viera: Front Desk

      Monday-Friday 1000-1400

      POC:

• Palm Bay: Lobby

      Monday-Friday, 0800-1200 & 1300-1500

      POC:

Flu Vaccine FAQs

How does the flu vaccine work?

How long does it take before I am protected?

After you get a flu shot, it takes about two 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?

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 vaccine. 

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 vaccine does not match all the flu viruses that are currently spreading.

Is the flu shot safe?

Yes, the flu shot is both safe and effective. Most people have no serious side effects or allergic reaction to it. 

Some people may have redness or swelling on their arm where the shot was given. A very small number of people may get minor body aches, a headache, or a low fever that lasts a day or two. 

The Health and Medicine Division (formally known as the Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reviewed more than 1,000 research articles and concluded that few health problems are associated with vaccines. Learn more about these findings.