Influenza program

No-cost flu vaccines are also available at retail pharmacies and urgent care locations from September 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024. Find an in-network community care provider by choosing a location in the drop-down menu of the VA Locator.

Eligible Veterans can choose from one of nearly 70,000 in-network retail pharmacies and urgent care/walk-in locations to get their flu shot.

The provider must be part of VA’s community care network:

• Retail pharmacies include most supermarket and local pharmacies
• Many urgent care locations offer walk-in care
• Call ahead to see if a pharmacy participates in the VA flu shot program
• If you receive a flu shot from a non-network provider, you may be liable for the cost of the vaccine.

Who can get a flu shot at a community provider?

You are eligible to receive a 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.

How do I know if I am eligible?

• Call 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
• Your state may have age and health-related restrictions.

NOTE: Family members and beneficiaries are not eligible.

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 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

Before you go:

• Call to ensure the urgent care provider or retail pharmacy offers the no-cost flu shot benefit and the vaccine type you are seeking (some flu vaccines are for people aged 65 and older)
• Bring the billing information flyer (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. (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.

The community provider will send your flu shot vaccination documentation to VA. VA will update your medical record.

You can also request a copy of your flu shot documentation and provide it to your VA provider.

• VA flu shot page
• CDC influenza website
• People depend on me (60-second video)
• To protect and serve (60-second video)