Veterans Administration offers free flu shots to vets

The Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care System is encouraging all veterans, except those allergic to eggs or who have experienced severe allergic reactions, to get an annual flu shot and is offering free walk-in flu shot clinics at each VA medical center and outpatient clinic in the state. See locations below the fold:

The Loch Raven VA Medical Center, 3901 The Alameda in Baltimore, will host a drive-thru clinic on the parking lot Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Baltimore VA Medical Center, 10 N. Greene St. in Baltimore, will host a drive-thru clinic in the parking garage Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to the drive-thru flu clinics, walk-in clinics are being held at:

* Baltimore VA Medical Center’s second floor lobby: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10 N. Greene St., in Baltimore.

* Fort Howard VA Outpatient Clinic: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 9600 North Point Road.

* Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. at 808 Landmark Drive, Suite 128, in Glen Burnie .

* Loch Raven VA Medical Center: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-3:30 p.m. at 3901 The Alameda, in Baltimore.

To participate in the clinics, veterans must be enrolled with the VA Maryland Health Care System and bring their VA ID card with them.

All flu shots are free and appointments are not required.

Those using the drive-thru flu shot clinics must wear short sleeves.

For information about the clinics, veterans can call 1-800-463-6295, Ext. 7273.

For medical advice, veterans can call 1-800-865-2441, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Enrolled veterans who receive a flu shot elsewhere should inform their VA health care providers so that the VA can keep their medical records up to date.