For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
|
Flu shots offered this month for registered veterans
Question: Is the Department of Veterans Affairs going to provide flu shots again this year, and how long does it take for the influenza vaccine to work?
Answer: Flu shots will be available in the lobby of the VA Medical Center from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday; 1 to 3 p.m. Friday; 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 ; and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21. The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System will offer flu shots at the Senior Fair at the Blaisdell exhibition hall Sept. 22 to 24. Flu shots are for registered VA veterans only, who will need to produce a VA identification card. The vaccine takes about two weeks to generate protective immunity. Studies have proven that both the influenza shot and the nasal-spray influenza vaccine are effective in preventing the influenza virus. For information on the availability of flu shots, call 433-0600 or 433-7676.
Q: What documents do I need to have if I decide to seek a VA benefit?
A: Those seeking a VA benefit for the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge (DD-214, DD-215 or, for World War II veterans, a WD form), which documents service dates and type of discharge, or give their full name, military service number, branch and dates of service. Additionally, the following documents will be needed for claims processing related to a veteran's death: veteran's marriage certificate, for claims of a surviving spouse or children; veteran's death certificate, if the veteran did not die in a VA health care facility; children's birth certificates or adoption papers to determine children's benefits; and veteran's birth certificate to determine parents' benefits. Contact the VA at (800) 827-1000.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at
www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.