Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, Indiana

It’s time to get your flu shot.

The national news organizations are flooding the airwaves with news of this year’s very serious flu season. A flu vaccination is your very best protection against getting the flu and/or passing the flu along to your family and friends.   Protection can take up to 2 weeks to develop after your flu shot, so the time is now.

The Indianapolis VAMC has your shot ready for you. If you’re a Veteran that is enrolled in VA health care, simply call your Patient Response Center (317-988-4498 or 888-878-6889) and make arrangements. You can even walk in and ask for your shot.  If you are here for a scheduled appointment, be sure to ask for your shot.

We are giving shots at all of our locations.  See the list here: http://go.va.gov/y8dz

For your convenience, the Flu Clinic is open in the Atrium, 07000-1600, Monday through Friday.

Many people think they will get the flu from the flu shot. This is a common misconception.  The flu shot contains strains of non-living viruses. If you get the flu after getting the vaccination, it’s because you were exposed before you got the shot.  There are other reasons as well, listed here: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/flu/vaccination/index.asp#afterThe 

VA also has a very simple web page dedicated to the most common questions that Veterans have regarding the flu: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/flu/vaccination/index.asp

Because of the very serious influenza season that we are experiencing across the nation, Marion County has adopted some patient safety measures that protects hospital visitors and health care workers. When you visit the Indianapolis VAMC, please be aware of the following:

• No visitors with influenza-like illness, fever or cough;
• No visitors under age 18 (unless you make special arrangements with us);
• No visitors allowed beyond immediate family, partner or significant other

Anyone can catch the flu virus. Flu can be mild or serious for some and deadly for others. Flu causes hospitalizations and deaths, especially among vulnerable groups such as the very young, people ages 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions.

If you think you have the flu, call your Patient Response Center for further guidance.

By Indianapolis Office of Communications