VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Flu activity usually peaks in January or February in the United States and can last as late as May. As long as flu season isn’t over, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. VA Central Western Massachusetts strongly encourages all Veteran to get vaccinated.

With flu activity increasing and family and friends gathering for the holidays, VA Central Western Massachusetts is telling all Veterans that now is a great time to get a flu vaccine to protect Veterans and their loved ones.

As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, VA is observing the national campaign established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination.

"Now is the optimal time to get the flu vaccine," said Jeff Benoit, a registered nurse and manager of the Infection Control Program for VA CWM HCS.  "The flu vaccine offers optimal protection before the spread of germs occurs.  Once vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu."

VA CWM HCS offers free flu shots to all Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare at the Northampton medical center and all five outpatient clinics: Fitchburg, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester.

In Northampton, Veterans can receive the flu shot Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Primary Care in Building 1 of the VA medical center in Leeds.  Appointments are not necessary but can be made by calling (413) 584-4040, extension 6363.  VA patients can also receive the vaccine at their regularly scheduled primary care appointment.

In Worcester, there is a free flu vaccine walk-in clinic on Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m., and on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Veterans who receive care at the Greenfield, Pittsfield and Springfield clinics are encouraged to call ahead for appointments by calling (413) 584-4040, extension 6363.  

“Get the flu vaccine, not the flu” is the theme for vaccination week. 

Veterans should receive the vaccine, Benoit said, because flu viruses are always changing and the vaccine composition may change from one season to the next, and because immune protection from vaccination declines over time. 

According to the CDC, this season’s vaccine is well matched to the flu strains circulating in the United States, so this season’s vaccine is expected to provide good protection against most influenza illness.  

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune response to fully kick in.

The national observance provides an opportunity for public health professionals, health care professionals, health advocates and communities from across the country to work together to promote the flu vaccination. 

For more information and resources visit CDC at www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw or VA at www.publichealth.va.gov.