Montana VA begins flu shot clinics
The Montana VA Health Care System will hold flu shot clinics beginning Oct. 5 at clinics across the state.
The clinic schedule is available at https://www.montana.va.gov/features/Flu_Shots.asp. Veterans should bring their Veteran ID.
The Kalispell VA walk-in flu clinic will take place at 31 Three Mile Drive. Flu shots will be available every Wednesday from 8 to 10 a.m. through Oct. 27. No appointment is necessary.
In addition to the clinic, enrolled Montana veterans have other ways to get their free flu shot:
• Veterans will be offered flu shots at primary care appointments.
• Montana Veterans can find community locations to get no-cost flu shots at flu shot locations across Montana (via https://www.va.gov/communitycare/flushot.asp).
“Flu is always a preventable respiratory infection. Last year, veterans and Montanans showed that this is possible,” said Dr. Judy Hayman, Executive Director. “We had low numbers of veterans sick with the flu in 2020 because people got their flu shot, physically distanced, washed their hands, stayed home when ill, and prevented the spread of illness by wearing a mask.”
The flu vaccine gets updated annually, and veterans should get a flu shot each year. The flu shot is safe and effective, and a person cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The flu virus most impacts high-risk groups such as adults who are 65 years or older, pregnant women, people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, individuals with medical conditions (such as heart disease, asthma, and kidney or liver disorders), and people with weakened immune symptoms.
“It’s now more important than ever to get the flu shot as we continue to battle Covid-19. Right now, Montana’s ICUs and Emergency Departments are busy caring for COVID patients,” said Chief of Staff, Dr. JP Maganito. “The flu shot is a safe, compassionate way we can serve others by stopping the spread of the flu virus, and it also keeps ourselves and others healthy, and out of the hospital.”
Veterans who have questions about the flu shot or vaccines are encouraged to contact their provider. Veterans can also reference this Veterans Health Library guide to Flu Shots.