VA to hold Veteran Drive-Through Flu Clinic

The Sheridan VA Medical Center has announced it will be holding its first Veteran Drive-Through Flu Clinic of the season Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 7:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Enrolled Veterans are encouraged to stop by for this fast and easy option to get their flu shot. Additional opportunities for this drive-through option will be announced soon, according to a VA Medical Center press release.

In order to take part, enrolled Veterans need only to visit the medical center campus on Tuesday, Sept. 15, between 7:15 a.m. and 1 p.m., then follow the signs for the drive-through clinic. Veterans will need their VA identification and a mask. If a veteran does not have a mask, one will be provided as they are required to take part. Veterans are also asked to wear a shirt with easy access to the shoulder to expedite the process for them.

Why get a Flu Shot?

Getting a flu vaccine this fall is more important than ever to protect yourself, your family, friends, and coworkers. According to the release, the VA predicts a tough 2020 flu season as the organization prepares to battle the coronavirus and flu simultaneously. 

Flu shots protect against flu. By getting a flu shot, veterans will be less likely to spread flu to others. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. Flu can be serious among young children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are hospitalized with the flu.

During the 2019-2020 flu season, more than 4,600 Veterans were hospitalized at VA medical centers. More than 600 of them required intensive care stays. VA providers also saw over 27,000 Veterans for flu and spoke to more than 13,000 during phone triage calls.