Flu Shot

[GBArmy]

I'm telling you, the VA has an evening school for an advance degree in how to screw up. You just can't make this stuff up.I was told by several VA medical people, that if you are in fairly good shape, to wait to get the flu shot until mid to late November. Point is the flu doesn't typically show up in most areas until December and the faccine wears down over time so it would be stronger for you at peak season if you wait. So 2 weeks ago I call my VA clinic and they have no HD shots, which is for people over 65. They won't be getting anymore according to my nurse. So, I go to the VAMC; the waiting room is going to collapse, so I figure I will try Wallgreens' which also is an outlet for the VA. They have been doing the flu shots for the VA the last couple of years.I call; they have the HD shot. I go there and she says, we have the shot but the VA won't pay for the HD shot. It will cost you $65 if you don't have a Medicare card. Gotta be a mistake; nothing like that at the VA web site. Yup. I can get the regular shot free, but the HD is $65 bananas. Nope. I go today to the VAMC;  no more HD vaccines available." Why don't I try Walgreens"? I explain; she calls the local Walgreens'. $65 bananas. So I get the regular shot not the HD shot. Nurse says it's better than nothing.  I call the VA Whitehouse and tell them. They are going to look into it. I said get it moving; older veterans are going to lose out again!

[Vync]

Do you have a Publix supermarket nearby? They will give you a free flu shot, plus a $10 gift card to use there. Might as well get paid.

[GBArmy]

Free is good! But no, we don't have any Publix around here.

[Vync]

@GBArmy Darn, that stinks. They just started doing it last year. I wish other stores/pharmacies would do something like that. It's a good way to generate traffic in their stores.

[GBArmy]

I remember when Walgreens' started doing it. I got a shot but it didn't get into my med file. The nurse asked me why I didn't get a flue shot and I told her I did at Walgreens', she said it hadn't been entered into my records. They might have it down right in another year or two!

[GBArmy]

What really bothers me is the VA can't work out even the simplest of details. If they said there was a charge for the HD shot for seniors, the veterans have the whole story and can decide for themselves what they want to do and where to go. I mean, their drug store could be a lot closer than driving to their VA. But if they are charged $65, then maybe they rather drive. Another example of one hand not knowing what the other is doing. Just put out accurate information VA: it would help you in the Public Relations area!

[Buck52]

GB Unless your prone to get sick easy or get the flu real easy  and over 65  this is what the HD Injections are for.

I am over 65 but not prone to catch the flu easy  so for  anyway.

GB, the nurse up at the VA Center ask me my age and if I was prone to get sick easy I said no I only had the flu once a few years ago but there was when a super outbreak of the flu in my area...she said I just need the regular flu shot then  I got .

The HD Flu shots just have  more of the  flu vaccine (twice as much)   in the shot its self.  from what I was told?

VA Gives both  and WALGREENS AND CVS AND  ALBERTSONS GROCERY PHARMACY GIVES THE FREE FLU SHOTS...

I HAD NO CLUE THE  HD FLU SHOT COST US VETERANS?.

I get my flu shot every Oct 31st(Halloween)  because it take the flu shot 8 to 9 weeks to become effective (According to my PCP) SO i GET IT EARLY FOR TWO REASONS  BEAT THE RUSH AND TO BECOME EFFECTIVE IN  DEC & Jan   and through out the rest of the year  until  Oct 31st 

Remember the Flu shot don't keep you from catching the flu  but if you do it makes a little easier to get over.

Some people don't get the flu shot...

I wash my hands every chance I can and wash them good when I get back home .

  I also keep a spare hand sanitizer in my truck and use it  wipe off the carts at the stores  ect,,,ect,,

Everyone needs to do that     they have surgery mask at  my VAMC Clinics  to cover your nose & mouth if you choose too.

I get one just incase , sometimes if its cold rainy out  Veterans will be having coughs /colds and just cough up a storm sitting in the waiting area..I strap on my surgery mask...I don't give a sh*** what people think  I don't want those germs around me or breath in to them.

Some people don't think the flu shots works  my brother was one  until he caught the flu and almost died   he was in the breathing tent for 5 days in the hospital..after he recovered I told him to start getting the Flu shot     he does Now.