United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Health

Seasonal Flu

Be ready for the flu season by getting your flu shot. Flu shots are now available for Veterans enrolled in VA health care and VA health care personnel. Check with your nearest VA health care facility or call toll free 1-877-222-8387 to confirm supply. The flu shot is recommended for people 6 months of age and older.

Flu – short for influenza – is a respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person. Flu vaccination is your best protection against the flu, which occurs mostly between October and May. Protection can take up to 2 weeks to develop after vaccination and it lasts about a year.

New this 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.


Vaccination

Vaccine for the flu

Learn about flu vaccines and why you should get vaccinated.

Prevention

Someone washing their hands with soap and water

Learn how you can step up to prevent flu.

Treatment

Boy sick with the flu with thermometer in his mouth

Learn how to treat flu and when to seek medical care.


Flu Self-Assessment Flowchart

Notepad and pencil

Think you may have the flu? Check the flowchart. (560 KB, PDF)

Flu Tools and
Materials

Still from the video "How Flu is Spread"

Download flu tools and materials: videos, brochures, posters and more.

Related Sites
 

Man looking at a computer screen.

Explore other sites and get relevant information on the flu.


Infection: Don't Pass It On logo

Download free viewer and reader software to view PDF, video and other file formats.

*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.

 

Health Care Providers

Influenza vaccination is a priority for VA health care providers. Learn what’s new for the 2011-2012 flu season.


Pandemic Flu Planning and Response

Learn how VA prepares for and responds to pandemic flu.


Contact Us

Veterans who have health concerns can: