September 2020 Update: In addition to availability at VA medical facilities, eligible Veterans can receive a no-cost seasonal flu vaccination through one of more than 60,000 current in-network community retail pharmacies or urgent care locations. Visit https://www.va.gov/communitycare/flushot.asp for details.


To honor the service and sacrifices of Americans who served in the armed forces, Walgreens is offering a 20% discount to all Veterans, active duty military personnel and their immediate family members, including the families of those who lost their lives in service to our country. While you are there – get your free flu shot!

“We at Walgreens are always proud to be of service to those who serve our country, including Veterans, military personnel and their families,” said Richard Ashworth, president of operations.

Customers with a Balance® Rewards card and valid military ID or proof of service will receive 20% off regular price eligible store items* at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstores nationwide Nov. 8-11. A Balance® Rewards customer loyalty program membership is free and available at checkout.

Discount Details

Free flu shots for VA enrolled Veterans

VA and Walgreens are national partners, providing no-cost quadrivalent flu shots to enrolled Veterans of the VA health care system. Now through March 31, 2020, enrolled Veteran patients nationwide can receive their flu shot at any of chain’s 9,600 locations. Veterans can also visit their local VA health care facilities.

Veterans who want a different flu shot such as the high dose can visit a VA health care facility. Walgreens contracts with the VA to provide the quadrivalent flu vaccine only.

How do I get my flu shot for free at Walgreens?

Veterans do not need an appointment. Simply go to any store, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility, and show your Veterans Health Identification Card and another form of photo ID. (Patients will also complete a vaccine consent form at the time of service.) Learn more about Flu shots for Veterans at Walgreens.

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

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78 Comments

  1. Luis de la Paz November 25, 2019 at 13:02

    I was at Walgreens today i turn 65 on nov 19 i ask for d flu shot they told me because im 65 i have to pay for vaccine because i need a high dose i went to VA and they dont have it i look around and everyone was over 65 so…..WE ALL GETTING THE WRONG FLU SHOT AT THE VA HOSPITAL.

  2. William Brem November 12, 2019 at 09:06

    Was told by cashier at Walgreens they were not giving any discount to veteran’s. Then her and a second employee actually seemed to mock me for asking. Long time shopper at store and have balance reward card. Have read the other comments and this seems like a isolated incident but had to vent.

    • Donald Stauder November 12, 2019 at 18:42

      For William Brem…
      I also was denied discount after shopping for items I needed following a surgery on Nov 9. None were sale items, all full price (bandages, anti-bacterial, personal hygiene, etc). The cashier and store manager both denied that there was a discount. I too am a long time shopper with balance award card. I left with nothing. I’ll find somewhere else to shop.

  3. Ray M.Schlosser November 11, 2019 at 16:14

    Walgreens – THANK YOU for the 20% discount and remembering us veterans. As an Army Vietnam vet it means a lot to me and others we were not too well liked back then… THANKS ! !

    • Steve Cote November 14, 2019 at 23:09

      Isn’t it amazing we are being treated with respect now ?

  4. Ray M.Schlosser November 11, 2019 at 16:04

    Walgreens – THANK YOU for the 20% discount and remembering us that is very nice. As an Army Vietnam vet I appreciate it very much… THANKS ! !

  5. Ray M.Schlosser November 11, 2019 at 16:03

    Walgreens – THANK YOU for the 20% discount and remembering us that is very nice. As an Army Vietnam vet I appreciate it very much… THANKS ! !

  6. Ray M.Schlosser November 11, 2019 at 16:03

    Walgreens – THANK YOU for the 20% discount and remembering us that is very nice. As an Army Vietnam vet I appreciate it very much… THANKS ! !

  7. Jim Wilson November 11, 2019 at 14:02

    Flu season is also correlated with high sugar season (October, November, December). High sugar weakens immune response. Reducing white flour and sugar intake and using a MERV-13+ house filter and changing every month during the flu season will reduce chances of “flu”.

  8. Bob lestet November 11, 2019 at 13:55

    This sale is a scam the sale is 20% off on nonsale items everything is a sale item

  9. Robert Manteuffel November 10, 2019 at 23:56

    Walgreens rips off disabled Veterans on their meds that are not available through the VA. Tradjenta is a critical part of my medical care, not available through the VA, for the first 3 fills it was $30 for 90 days, then it jumped to $90 for 30 days, now it is around $1800. I didn’t pick it up, but they billed my insurance wgi notified me they are no longer covering me for it, and has put me in the donut hole (aka no medical coverage) until next year.

  10. Thomas O Miller November 10, 2019 at 19:32

    I just tried to get the 20% discount and was told they would only honor it on November 11th. I still appreciate the offer of a discount but it should have been communicated better!

  11. Gary Lastname November 10, 2019 at 13:45

    Theis webpage loaded up an Iwo Jima video, that is part 1 of 6, but supplied no way to link to it directly. Via a Google search, I found this, for those of you that would like to watch all 6 parts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xfuujV3DSc

    • Gary Lastname November 10, 2019 at 13:45

      This*

  12. Damaris Torres Hanley November 10, 2019 at 11:19

    If you are enrolled in VA, the shot is free. I just got mine.

  13. Judy Jones November 10, 2019 at 01:03

    I am under the age for Medicare and I have received flu shots there, as it bills the VA. I am 60% Va disabled.

  14. Robert Ruotolo November 9, 2019 at 23:55

    Not over 65 or a Vietnam vet I guess.

  15. Johnnie Flores November 9, 2019 at 23:48

    San Antonio no free flu shot no support to our vets. Retired disable vet

  16. JAMES RABIDEAU November 9, 2019 at 20:52

    Read the fine print!! That 20% discount will not count toward anything you would actually visit a Walgreens Pharmacy for. But, if you are looking for a candy bar, your covered. SMH.

  17. Linda Cross November 9, 2019 at 20:19

    When is the VA going to get this right??? Last year I was told Walgreens would give shots and, of course that was incorrect. When I went to the local Reno Walgreens, they told me they had no idea what I was talking about, period. Now, from the above comments, it is the same all over again. I am 73 and would like the superdose but guess I’ll have to figure out other means. By the way, my physician told me last year that the super dose wasn’t as good as the regular but all my attempts to contact him to determine if that is the case this year have failed. I just get a telephone call responder who tells me that I can get the regular shot or I can go to Walgreens and that the superdose is NOT available at any VA facility. Pardon me, I want my physician to give me the information I asked for NOT someone telling what they “THINK”. That, on top of the fact that this website is making the following statement makes me wonder if anybody knows what is going on (or cares??):

    ” Free flu shots for VA enrolled Veterans

    “VA and Walgreens are national partners, providing no-cost quadrivalent flu shots to enrolled Veterans of the VA
    health care system. Now through March 31, 2020, enrolled Veteran patients nationwide can receive their flu shot
    at any of chain’s 9,600 locations. Veterans can also visit their local VA health care facilities.

    “Veterans who want a different flu shot such as the high dose can visit a VA health care facility. Walgreens
    contracts with the VA to provide the quadrivalent flu vaccine only. ”

    I hope someone will actually READ this and, hopefully, REPLY. Or am I just in a dream world?

  18. Donald Stauder November 9, 2019 at 19:47

    Went for the 20% discount today.
    After shopping I was denied any discount.
    They said there were no veterans discount.

  19. Lloyd A Prunier November 9, 2019 at 17:39

    The Walgreen’s pharmacist told me the VA wouldn’t pay for the HD vaccine? Is this a bait and switch or discrimination?

  20. William Porter November 9, 2019 at 16:30

    Always disgusted to see corporations use veteran’s as advertising bait. Walgreen’s earned 1.5billion for the last quarter of 2018. Tens of thousands of soldiers’ families are on food stamps. We vets should spread the word: Boycott corporations that use patriotism as an advertising ploy.

  21. O,K November 9, 2019 at 15:52

    That’s why I don’t give Walgreen’s the time of day when it comes to flu shots . they are always nickel and diming on prescriptions. So I wont let them make a dime off the VA for the free flu shot..I just go in to the VA and get it..no cost wither way and I get what I need not what Walgreens decides they want to give you .

  22. Ted November 9, 2019 at 14:37

    No free HD flu shots. VA only.

  23. Geoff Leonard Plott November 9, 2019 at 14:29

    Thats such a mute subject…all vaccinations are bad vaccinations period. Mercury is the main ingredient, so common sense tells me don’t get the damn shots ever! Innoculations is a different matter, safe and not made with mercury!

  24. Larry November 9, 2019 at 14:15

    . . . I will never / ever disrespect the way a VA Hospital gives out flu shots. Nov 6th, 2019, I got a shot at a Walgreen’s near me: “What a frickin’ nightmare” After walking in the door (start to finish) It took “one hour” to get a flu shot, I was not getting surgery there – it’s a ?flu shot? really? – nor was it busy – and they probably charged the government the retail price of $40.99

  25. Jann November 9, 2019 at 13:40

    Walgreens just told, there is no discount…

  26. Maria Linda Martinez November 9, 2019 at 13:28

    You have to be enrolled in the VA hospital system, have a VA ID card and take the Means test every year if you are below 60% compensation service-connected or non-connected..you may not be able to get the flu shot free and you won’t if you have Medicare or Medicaid because that is proof you have insurance. Yeh I think that blows…good luck and all the best to this Veterans Day! I’ve got your back! Sincerely Army, SGT, Ret., M. Martinez

  27. Douglas Alexander November 9, 2019 at 12:32

    That’s all pretty sucky news. Walgreen’s is implicated pretty heavily as being insincere or out of the loop as presented by the VA. If there is a communication mismatch, it should be owned by either party or both. If it’s broke, then fix it. If not, please clarify the original agreement with more details. I am a Vietnam Vet as well and would like a better understanding. If this is just for active duty vets, then those of us over 65, are discounted in value as having served our nation with equal intent and sacrifice. Something is askew here.

  28. Rip sartell November 9, 2019 at 11:21

    Does Walgreens offer discounts on all of the other days of the year?

  29. Ken Caprip November 9, 2019 at 11:10

    VA Hospital in Providence would not give me HD flu dose, only standard dose; and yes l am a Vietnam vet.

  30. Ric Wailes November 9, 2019 at 11:01

    I routinely go to Smith’s Grocery Pharmacy Dept. They do accept insurance, while offering a “free shot”. They provide me with the HD and I have never received any Junk mail nor been billed in anyway for the Shot

  31. Dennis Marks November 9, 2019 at 09:48

    If you are over 65 just use Medicare and get the high dose free.

  32. James Moore November 9, 2019 at 09:47

    here’s the poop, contrary to all the BS about VA health care thousands maybe millions of veterans have been discriminated against by this government in order to save money and I am one of them. If you don’t claim a service connected disability (even if you do) or didn’t serve during the time periods our wise civilian congress decides is worthy, you are excluded from receiving health care even though you once had it but under Bush Jr. it was changed. Now veterans are classified and ranked accordingly. Which is unfair and unjust. I am an honorably discharge paratrooper who served hard and proper prior to Vet Nam and helped win the cold war over Berlin. Froze fried and suffered but don’t have health care because I earn a little too much money. F them and F this shit government and all the bull shit.

  33. ed November 9, 2019 at 09:17

    While it is great that they are giving a 20% discount for a few days, if they really are proud of Vets, how about doing like Lowe’s does, and give a vet discount every day, all year long?

  34. Justa WAF November 9, 2019 at 09:13

    I was asked at my local VA about my age. I am 65. Hubby is also a Vet and 64. We both got the same flu shot. Just a normal one, not HD for me. Perhaps next year we both will get the HD, hopefully. And, it still will be offered then.

  35. Bob Baz November 9, 2019 at 09:08

    My General Practitioner MD insists that getting the HD dose of Flu vaccine is NOT necessary. In fact, he has senior patients that have had adverse health impact. Go for the regular shot. Frig the red tape about the HD dosage.

  36. LEO ross November 9, 2019 at 09:05

    WHEN are we gonna get these g(redacted)damn patronage job assclowns out of OUR VA? we deserve better. its time to start dragging some of these cheeze(redacted) outside and hang them from lampposts

  37. Ronald Blaisdell November 9, 2019 at 08:48

    Last year I got the flu shot at Walgreens after a lot of paperwork who then billed the VA $41.00. This year I got my flu shot at the VA clinic during a visit to a specialty clinic. You can also ask for it during a regular checkup with your primary physician.

  38. G.Bowers November 9, 2019 at 08:37

    Have gotten HD for several years now. Why the change now?

  39. Harold Ross November 9, 2019 at 08:21

    Your 20% off offer has a * next to the statement it applies to eligible store items but I don’t see ay explanation as to which items that applies to.

  40. Mike Hausner November 9, 2019 at 07:47

    I don’t understand. My wife and I both got our HD flu shots in October at Walgreens. It was free through United Health/Medicare. I served in Vietnam in ’67 – ’68 USNMCB-11.

  41. Troy Wilkinson November 9, 2019 at 07:14

    To make the small print easier to find…

    * Offer valid for veterans, military and their families on November 8–11 2019, only, with Balance® Rewards card and proof of service. In-store offer only valid in Walgreens or Duane Reade stores. Discount valid on regular price items only. Offer is not combinable with buy 1 get 1 free, buy 1 get 1 50% off or buy 2 get 3rd FREE. Discount not valid on alcohol, dairy, tobacco, stamps, phone/prepaid/gift cards, money orders/transfers, transportation passes, lottery tickets, charitable donations, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products, clinic services, health tests, prescriptions, pharmacy items or services, sales tax, Membership fees, newspapers, magazines and items or services purchased by prescription and/or submitted to insurance for reimbursement or where otherwise limited by law.

    1 This wellness benefit is only for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. Family members and Tricare members are not eligible. No-cost flu shot option is for quadrivalent vaccine only, available now through March 31, 2020. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. Vaccine may be in limited supply after March 1, 2020. This does not constitute an endorsement of Walgreens or Walgreens products. Patients will also be asked to complete a vaccine consent form at time of service.

  42. Roy L Ocilka November 9, 2019 at 07:05

    Went to Walgreens received my flu shot with no questions asked. Receipt stated HD. Also i am a vet over 65.

  43. Max Hammer November 9, 2019 at 06:34

    The Walgreens where I live has no flu vaccine for veterans. I tried for 3 weeks to get one finally got on a call list with them. They called me an said its here now so I went in and pharmacy manager told me we only have high dose here, no VA vaccine. Also very rude to me for asking. I went to Walmart and paided out of pocket for it. My va hospital is 180 mile round trip drive.

  44. Max Hammer November 9, 2019 at 06:25

    Walgreens where I live, has NO flu vaccine available for veterans. Tried for 3 weeks to get vaccine shot. When they did have some available, they had no one to give the shots! Finally went to Walmart and payed for it out of pocket. My V A hospital is 180 mile round trip.

  45. Angela Urbistondo November 9, 2019 at 06:22

    This is what is on the Walgreen’s website about the flu shot: T”his wellness benefit is only for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. Family members and Tricare members are not eligible. “

  46. GARY BLAUVELT November 9, 2019 at 04:41

    Citizens , Veterans and News Media personnel .
    TAKE NOTICE……. and the time to Educate yourself.
    When it comes to Our Government’s Usage of AGENT ORANGE……
    During the Vietnam War time frame ,Our Government kept it a Secret until the early years of 2000 that AGENT ORANGE was used
    EXTENSIVELY along the SOUTH KOREAN DMZ BORDER .
    Thousands of military personnel were exposed to AGENT ORANGE during 1968 to 1971 .
    Many Veterans of that time frame who served On , Near or at the DMZ and suffer Certain Health Conditions are completely Unaware to this day..
    EDUCATE YOURSELF —
    IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT VIETNAM..

    http://www.koreanveterans.org

  47. Gene R. Pfeiffer November 9, 2019 at 02:06

    IF you are veteran with 10% or more disability you should be registered and cared for at you local VA hospital!
    IF you live some distance from the nearest VA hospital, VA will assist with its corps of veteran volunteers.
    Contact your nearest VA hospital TODAY!

  48. John Pilge November 9, 2019 at 01:26

    You need to be a member of the Balance® Rewards card plan to get the discounts. A San Jose, California court in January 2018, allowed Walgreens to pay $2.25 million to resolve a consumer protection lawsuit brought by Bay Area prosecutors alleging that the company sold expired baby food, infant formula and over-the-counter drugs. Walgreens has been fined for false advertising in several states. In September 2012 the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) accused Walgreens of endangering public safety and barred the company from shipping oxycodone and other controlled drugs from its Jupiter, Florida, distribution center. In March 2008 Walgreens settled a lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that alleged the company discriminated against African Americans for $24 million. This is not a company I would trust.

  49. Harry Hairapetian November 9, 2019 at 00:15

    Does the 20% discount st Walgreen’s apply to wine purchases?

  50. Elaine Camarillo November 8, 2019 at 23:59

    I went to Walgreens to get my free shot. After looking it up on Tricare, they were going to charge me $58.42 for my free flu shot!

  51. Kristin L Cunningham November 8, 2019 at 23:39

    Thanks for the information and all your dedication.

  52. Joe Scmuckelroy November 8, 2019 at 23:24

    Looks like, yes, we Vietnam vets are still being used as fodder for the media and for the glory of the big stores. I don’t wear my veteran cap because I’m so sick of hearing “Thank you for your service”. It just goes to show you how the media can manipulate the scores of people to believe or say things simply because now, “America should thank our veterans”.
    If the VA had any decent doctors, instead of scores of Indian and, yes, even Vietnamese “doctors”, whose education we paid for. I wish I could have sent my kids to college.
    Bah, Humbug!

  53. Peter Brown November 8, 2019 at 23:11

    “Customers with a Balance® Rewards card and valid military ID or proof of service will…” Sure, all for Veterans….IF…they line their pockets first. Do you want 20% off? First, you WILL open an account with them. Opening an account requires your submitting personal information. Gimme a break!!! They give a rip about Veterans as much as jane fondle.

  54. Colleen Annes November 8, 2019 at 22:58

    If you are 65+ then you qualify for Medicare. If you chose not to enroll in part B that was your decision. If you can get it for free at the VA be grateful and don’t whine about travel pay. Some people expect miracles from the VA in return for 2 years of service. I served 32 years, deployed to a variety of wars, and am always grateful for any help I get at the VA, or local civilian medical/pharmacy care via Tricare. Soon, it will be medicare and I will still be grateful. People are doing their best to help, try focusing on that.

  55. Pete Lyall November 8, 2019 at 22:54

    According to their marketing content, ‘veterans’ should receive a free FLU shot. Read the fine print and discover that you already need to be registered with the VA as a medical account. BS. I should be able to walk in with a copy of my DD-214 and prove that I’m a Viet Nam era veteran, and receive a shot. Shitty job of helping vets, Walgreens.

  56. Harry Allen November 8, 2019 at 22:52

    I have gotten the flu shot since I turned 62 and retired with no insurance. I’m 65 now. VA sponsored.

  57. Marlene Harry November 8, 2019 at 21:40

    Don’t forget to study everything that doesn’t qualify, and sign up for some kind of program. Too much work for me to shop at a store I don’t frequent, for one discount.

  58. Dan Parmenter November 8, 2019 at 21:38

    I got the high dose (65+) shot, but not through the VA billing. My medicare ended up paying for it. The VA (free) authorization was only for a lower power vaccine.which they did not have in stock.

  59. nelson raver November 5, 2019 at 18:53

    Watch for “Free Flu Shots” Tricare or Medicare will be billed if possible.We received an EOB (Explanation Of Benefits) from Tricare for a free flu shot for veterans . Tricare was billed $60.00, additionally your information may be sold to a third party and you may start receiving more junk mail. like we did.

    • Stephen Sears November 9, 2019 at 07:22

      I was at the Manchester, NH VA Medical Center for a scheduled appointment and was informed by the Physician’s Assistant who I initially saw, that the Veteran’s Administration did not administer the “High Dose” vaccine. He stated that the VA only offered the low dose vaccine of which he gave me the shot for. I don’t know why some VA medical facilities offer certain services and not others?

  60. John H. Jones November 4, 2019 at 12:11

    Walgreens does not give a “free” HD dose to veterans, simply BS, The VA says come to the clinic, yet you will not get your travel allowance. Anyone that is over 65 is just being “written off” I suppose!

    • Joe Lowery November 9, 2019 at 08:56

      I went to Publix pharmacy for my flu shot. It was paid for by medicare and it was the hi dose for people over 65. Plus, I got a free $10.00 gift card. You can either secure message to your VA doctor or go by the clinic and let them know you got the shot so they can put it in your records.

    • Mary Parmenter November 14, 2019 at 06:21

      Yes, me too no free flu shot for 80 year old. None at CBOC either. It is clear over and over that money is more important to VA and Congress than the health of veterans.

  61. Jim Hill October 31, 2019 at 18:41

    Walgreens refuses to give HD flu shot.So it seems Vietnam veterans aren’t worthy of the high dose.is it age discrimination or are we still the warmongering baby killers they called us when we came home.I bet their pharmacist would be first in line to throw pig blood at us for free.

    • Kristin L Cunningham November 8, 2019 at 23:42

      Sorry you guys have to deal with that b.s. it seems all the younger vets gets better EVERYTHING. I’m one of the “younger” vets by the way so I’m speaking from first hand observation…

    • Michael K Simpson November 10, 2019 at 13:58

      Over 65 must use their Medicare.

  62. Elmer Fudd October 31, 2019 at 11:21

    A good number of Vets are Vietnam Vets of which most are over 65 years old which means they should be receiving the high dose vaccine and not the “free” vaccine that Walgreens is “contracted” with the VA. So, in other words; if you are a Vietnam Veteran you will have to go to the VA to receive your flu shot….Walgreens is not providing anything free to Veterans. Either your medical insurance is paying for it or the VA is.

    • Bruce K November 8, 2019 at 20:15

      Geez people. I am sure the VA and Walgreens have a contract and the contract likely stipulates the regular flu shot. If you want something else, go to a VA facility. This is being done with Walgreens as a convienience to the Vet. It used to be that everyone had to go to the VA facility. If you have to travel, just do it when you have a regular appointment. The offer the shot over a long period of time so it isn’t like you only have a one or two day window to get one.

    • Peter Brown November 8, 2019 at 23:06

      Bingo!

    • Kevin Cook November 9, 2019 at 01:41

      Don’t be stupid, Walgreens does not discriminate against veterans of any war. In fact they have done more for the vets than any other pharmaceutical companies. I get my FREE flu shot every year at my local Walgreens without any issue.

  63. Steven Bishop October 31, 2019 at 10:29

    If you are enrolled in VA, the shot is free. I just got mine.

    • Tom Clark November 9, 2019 at 08:49

      The VA (at least in Charleston SC) does not offer HD Flu shots – only the regular. Got a regular at the VA, and after checking with my civilian doctor, got another regular at Walgreens. Ended up with an equivalent of HD and nothing out of my pocket.

    • THEODORE MCCLENDON November 9, 2019 at 12:10

      Precisely.

    • Glenn Lego November 10, 2019 at 05:45

      I am 72 and a Vietnam veteran. The Walgreens in Rockford, Illinois gave me an HD flu shot for free.

  64. Ronald Brown October 31, 2019 at 02:04

    Walgreens only provides free flu shots to you, if you have Medicare A and B. If only A, then, they won’t provide free shot.

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