Press release from Western North Carolina VA Health Care System
All enrolled Veterans at the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System have the opportunity to receive a free flu shot.
There are five opportunities to receive your flu shot:
Option 1: Scheduled appointments. If you already have a scheduled appointment, you may receive your flu shot at that time. Includes Primary Care, Specialty Care Clinics and the Franklin, Hickory and Rutherford County Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
Option 2: During in-patient hospitalization. You may ask for a flu shot before being discharged from hospital.
Option 3: Flu Shot “Drive Thru” Clinic. Flu shots will be available curbside during designated times (see table below) at the Charles George VA Medical Center and Franklin CBOC.
Option 4: Flu Shot “Walk-In” Clinic. Flu shots will be available at the COVID Vaccine Clinic in Building 70, Room 123, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (9/19/22 – 11/18/22). Franklin, Hickory and Rutherford County Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) will also accept walk-ins with no appointments 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Option 5: Community Care Network: Starting September 1st, 2022, enrolled Veterans (who received care through either a VA or community provider within the past 24 months) can receive a flu shot through the Community Care Network (CCN). CCN in-retail contracted pharmacies or urgent care/walk-in care locations (standalone visit) will provide flu shots at no cost with no copayment. Retail pharmacy examples are CVS Pharmacy, COSTCO Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment required.
What are the dates and times?
See table below for facility and CBOC dates and times.
FLU SHOT “DRIVE THRU” CLINICS
Charles George VA Medical Center
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 15th
Franklin CBOC
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 5th
Friday, October 14th
Wednesday, October 26th
Will the VA offer different vaccines based on my age?
Yes. If you are 65 years of age or older, you will be offered the FLUAD® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine, Adjuvanted) which provides a stronger immune response and is indicated for individuals over 65. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends preferential use of a higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine for persons 65 years old or older. If you are younger than 65 years of age, you will be offered the AFLURIA® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine) which is a standard dose quadrivalent vaccine. Both vaccines can protect you from four types of flu.
Will my spouse be able to get a flu shot at the VA?
No. Spouses and caregivers will not be able to receive a flu shot at the facility or the CBOCs.
However, COVD-19 vaccines are available to your spouse and caregivers at the VA. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Charles George VA Medical Center, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No appointments required. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the CBOCs, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No appointment required but please call ahead to confirm vaccine availability.
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