Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Immunizations / Vaccinations

Flu or influenza can be a serious illness for people of all ages. Flu is a respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person. The flu can become more than just a feverish, achy condition that lasts a few days. In an average year, the United States has over 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations attributed to influenza (mostly among those aged 65 years or older). In Arizona, the “flu season” usually lasts from October through April. Receiving an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from contracting influenza. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. You should take the flu shot every year.

Based on recent studies – the flu vaccine can be tolerated by people with egg allergies that are not severe. Check with your health care provider if you have a severe egg allergy. The flu vaccine contains egg protein.

The SAVAHCS is proud to offer several options for receiving your annual flu shot. Please bring your VA identification card (VIC) with you to the flu shot clinics either on the main campus in your Primary Care Clinic or in your CBOC. The satellite flu shot clinic is open in Building 80, on the main campus in Tucson, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except for federal holidays, until the end of the flu season.

If you receive your flu shot in a location other than the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System main campus in Tucson or at one of the CBOCs, please provide the following information to your primary care provider. Name, last 4 of your social security number, and the date and location of where you received your flu shot.

Flu vaccination is your best protection against the flu. Protection can take up to 2 weeks to develop after vaccination and it lasts about a year. Don’t forget you can also reduce your risk of getting the flu by practicing good hand washing.

Be sure to get your flu shot every year to protect yourself and help keep the flu from spreading to others.