Glasgow Veterans Eligible For Walk-Up Flu Shots

Glasgow-area veterans can receive walk-up flu shots from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Glasgow VA Clinic, 630 2nd Avenue South, Suite A, Glasgow. Flu shots will be provided outside when possible.

“I encourage all our Veterans and all Montanans to take proactive steps to be leaders to keep our communities healthy. Get your flu shot, cover your cough, wash your hands often, avoid high risk social activities, and stay home when you are sick,” said Dr. Judy Hayman. “Your health depends on the health of your family, neighbors, and healthcare teams, and their health depends on yours. We must count on each other to take action to keep our communities safe. I am grateful for the 6,200 Veterans who have already had their flu shot and I thank them for their leadership.”

Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease and can cause severe illness. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were more than 410,000 flu-related hospitalizations and more than 24,000 deaths in the United States during the flu season.

The flu will have the most negative impacts on children and high risk groups such as adults who are 65 years or older, pregnant women, people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, individuals with medical conditions (such as heart disease, asthma, and kidney or liver disorders), and people with weakened immune systems.

This year, the Veterans Health Administration requires all VA employees to receive influenza vaccines. The 2020-2021 flu season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenza vaccination will reduce the overall healthcare burden of respiratory illness within VHA, protect employees and vulnerable Veterans at risk for severe illness, and reduce surges that could threaten the healthcare system infrastructure during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

MTVAHCS’s overall trust scores—which derive from veteran rankings of their health care experiences—are at a historic high. MTVAHCS provides healthcare to veterans across Montana through a series of community-based clinics, the Miles City Community Living Center (Montana VA’s only nursing home), an acute care medical center, a nationally acclaimed sleep center, and robust telehealth services.

The MTVAHCS serves over 47,000 enrolled Veterans across Montana—an area roughly 147,000 square miles in size. Veterans are cared for by a staff of 1,400 at 17 sites of care across the state. One third of Montana VA employees are Veterans.

For more information, visit the MTVAHCS website and contact Public Affairs Officer Katie Beall at [email protected] or 447-7303.