United States Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Maryland Health Care System

Maryland Veterans Eligible for Free Flu Shots

BALTIMORE , Oct. 22, 2008 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging eligible military veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA Maryland Health Care System medical center or outpatient clinic. Influenza is more than a bad cold - it is a serious disease. More than 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the United States, with another 200,000 requiring hospitalization from flu related complications.

It's not too late to be vaccinated against the flu this season. Veterans enrolled with the VA Maryland Health Care System can get free flu shots at the following VA walk-in clinics:

  • Baltimore VA Medical Center Outpatient Clinics: Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Perry Point VA Medical Center and the Glen Burnie and Fort Howard VA Outpatient Clinics: Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Loch Raven VA Outpatient Clinic: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Cambridge VA Outpatient Clinic:  Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic: Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eligible veterans do not need an appointment to get a vaccination during one of the VA walk-in clinics. Veterans can also receive their vaccination from the VA Maryland Health Care System during their annual primary care visit.

Vaccination is especially important for people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, chronic bronchitis, a weakened immune system, and HIV. Besides these groups, the VA also recommends that all veterans age 50 or older receive the vaccine. The influenza virus changes every year, so it is important to get a flu shot every year.

For general information about the VA Maryland Health Care System flu shot program, please call 1-800-463-6295, ext. 7273.  Veterans in Maryland who want information on how enroll for VA care can contact the Enrollment Center for the VA Maryland Health Care System Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-463-6295, ext. 7324