Free Flu Shots for Military and Veteran Families
Free Flu Shots for Military and Veteran Families
During flu season, military families and veterans have several options for receiving a free flu vaccine. TRICARE provides flu shot benefits for its beneficiaries, and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers them to qualifying enrolled veterans.
VA Health Care Flu Shot Options
Veterans in the VA healthcare system may be eligible for a free flu shot through the VA. Enrolled veterans have two primary options for receiving their free vaccine.
- VA Medical Facilities. You can get the shot at your local VA medical center or a VA community clinic.
- Community Care Network Pharmacies. Enrolled veterans can also visit a pharmacy within the VA’s community care network. You must tell the pharmacy you are using your VA health benefit and present your VA Health Identification Card.
Flu Shot Coverage Under TRICARE
TRICARE covers the seasonal flu vaccine at no cost for all its beneficiaries, including active duty members, dependents, and military retirees. TRICARE beneficiaries have three options to receive the vaccine at no cost.
- Military Hospitals and Clinics. All beneficiaries can get the vaccine at a military medical facility.
- TRICARE-Authorized Providers. You can visit any TRICARE-authorized provider. The shot is free, but you may have a copayment or cost-share if you receive other, separate health services during that same visit.
- TRICARE Retail Network Pharmacies. You can get the vaccine at a participating pharmacy. However, a pharmacist must administer the shot for TRICARE to cover it at no cost. If another provider at the pharmacy gives it, you may incur out-of-pocket costs.
For Veterans Not Enrolled in TRICARE or VA Care
Veterans who are not military retirees (and therefore not on TRICARE) and who have not enrolled in the VA health care system do not have a dedicated free flu shot benefit through the VA or DoD.
In these circumstances, use a private or employer-sponsored health insurance to cover the vaccine. Local public health clinics or retail pharmacies also frequently offer low-cost options.
Flu Vaccine Q&A
Does TRICARE cover the flu shot?
Yes, TRICARE covers the seasonal flu vaccine at no charge for all eligible beneficiaries.
Where can TRICARE users get a free shot?
You can visit a military hospital or clinic, a TRICARE-authorized provider, or a participating retail network pharmacy (if a pharmacist administers the shot).
Do all veterans get a free flu shot?
No. Veterans must enroll in the VA health care system to qualify for the free benefit. Veterans who are also military retirees can get it free through their TRICARE benefits.
Where can enrolled veterans get their free flu shot?
Enrolled veterans can visit any VA medical facility or a civilian pharmacy in the VA’s Community Care Network.
What if I’m a veteran but not in the VA system or on TRICARE?
In that case, you will need to use private health insurance or pay out of pocket.
When is the best time to get my vaccine?
Health officials advise getting the vaccine in the early fall, around September or October. However, getting vaccinated later can still help.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Health officials recommend that everyone aged six months and older get a flu shot.
How do I know which vaccine version to get?
Your healthcare provider can determine which vaccine is most suitable for you based on your age and medical history.
What do I need to bring?
If you are a TRICARE beneficiary, bring your Uniformed Services ID card. If you are an enrolled veteran using the VA benefit, bring your VA Health Identification Card.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
