VA and Walgreens Partnership Offers Free Flu Shot Convenience

By U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

During flu season, protecting your health with a flu shot is now easier than ever — and it’s as close as your local VA or neighborhood Walgreens.

The VA and Walgreens have partnered to provide no-cost quadrivalent flu shots to enrolled veterans of the VA health care system.

No appointment is necessary; simply go to any Walgreens, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility, show your Veterans Health Identification Card and another form of photo ID.

Your immunization record will be updated electronically in your VA electronic health record. Walgreens has the capability to electronically send vaccination information to the VA electronic health record.

This flu shot program runs from August 15, 2019 through March 31, 2020. Enrolled veteran patients have the option of receiving their flu shot at any of Walgreens’ 9,600 locations in addition to their local VA health care facilities. The VA-Walgreens national partnership is part of VA’s eHealth Exchange project.

Other Options for Immunization

VA now offers expanded access to preventive health care by giving more options for your annual flu shot. You choose! No-cost flu shots are available at your VA health care facility or neighborhood Walgreens! Your VA medical record will be updated either way.

VA Health Care Facilities

You may receive a no-cost flu shot during any scheduled VA appointment, if you are admitted to one of our VA health care facilities, or at one of the convenient walk-in flu stations. For more information on locations and hours, contact your local VA health care facility.

Other Non-VA Providers and Pharmacies

Many local retail pharmacies offer flu shots that may be covered by private insurance or programs such as Medicare. There may be a charge for your flu shot at these locations. If you do not have insurance, there will usually be a charge.