Patient Information
Veterans can now get their seasonal flu shot at a neighborhood Walgreens. In a first-of-its-kind program, the VA is partnering with Walgreens to provide greater access to vaccinations. Through the VA Retail Immunization Care Coordination Program, VA is funding about 75,000 no-cost flu vaccinations for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, available through more than 8,000 Walgreens nationwide. The free flu shots are available until funding expires.
Pharmacists will use eHealth Exchange, through its Walgreens Cloud Electronic Health Records platform, to securely share immunization records with the VA. As soon as the pharmacist has given the vaccination, the immunization record is transmitted to VA clinicians within 24 hours and becomes part of the patient’s record. The patient will be able to view the information on his or her My HealtheVet Blue Button download.
The VA-Walgreens partnership grew out of a successful pilot program in Florida, which VA decided to expand nationwide. Walgreens is the first partner, but others are expected.
“The VA-Walgreens partnership gives veterans greater choice in time and location for getting their flu shots without having to complete any other VA forms,” said Interim Under Secretary for Health Dr. Carolyn Clancy in an October 2, 2014, VA press release.
The partnership, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, “is a great example of how government and the private sector can work together to effectively and efficiently provide veterans the care and benefits that they’ve earned.”
Veterans need only to let the Walgreens pharmacist know that they are enrolled in the VA health system and present their VA ID card. Vaccinations are available daily during all pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary (subject to availability). Age, state, and health-related restrictions may apply.
VA medical centers and clinics will continue to provide free flu shots during any scheduled VA appointment or at one of the walk-in flu stations. After the funding is depleted, there may be a cost for the flu shot for veterans who are enrolled in the VA health system and who do not have insurance coverage, according to the VA. For more information visit http://www.ehealth.va.gov/Immunization.asp.