Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Flu this Fall

The US Department of Veterans Affairs is emphasizing the importance of getting a flu shot, particularly as the fall season approaches. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu has resulted in an estimated 47 million to 82 million illnesses, 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths from October 1, 2024, to May 17, 2025. To combat this, the VA is offering free flu shots at all its health care facilities nationwide, as well as at 70,000 community locations.

Key Takeaways:

• The VA is encouraging all veterans to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families from the flu, which can lead to serious health complications.
• The CDC estimates that flu has resulted in 47 million to 82 million illnesses, 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths from October 1, 2024, to May 17, 2025.
• The VA is offering free flu shots to all enrolled veterans at its health care facilities, as well as at 70,000 community locations across the nation.
• Veterans can get a flu shot during routine primary care appointments or at flu vaccine clinics at the VA.
• The VA is advising veterans to call ahead to ensure that their chosen community location is participating in the flu shot program this year.
• Veterans are encouraged to bring their VA billing information to the community location to avoid any cost.
• The VA is also encouraging veterans who have received their flu shot outside of the VA to share this information with their health care team to document it in their health record.

Statistics:

• Estimated flu illnesses: 47 million - 82 million
• Estimated flu hospitalizations: 610,000 - 1.3 million
• Estimated flu deaths: 27,000 - 130,000
• Number of community locations offering flu shots: 70,000

Sources:

• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• [No additional sources mentioned in the provided text]