Does TRICARE allow us to go to an Urgent Care office and get Tamiflu for Flu cases, same question for VA?

2018-10-24T21:05:20-04:00

I have not had the flu for a while, but they are talking on TV about flu season. Can I get that Tamiflu from TRICARE and/or VA? It would be better than going to sick call and infecting others.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Oct 24 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-10-24T22:10:10-04:00

Call 1-800-tricare to find out if it is authorized. I can't speak to the VA.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-10-24T23:29:46-04:00

You can go to Walgreens or CVS and ask if they can bill your insurance. That's usually a safe bet. I have Tricare reserve and just go to Walgreens for everything like that

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Oct 25 at 2018 6:28 AM

2018-10-25T06:28:35-04:00

I think Flu shots are widely available and pretty inexpensive and in some cases, free.

Tamiflu you only get after seeing a doctor and them prescribing it, I believe. You have to catch the flu in the first 48 hours for it to work well. I have used it and it does work. Waiting to get into a VA appointment might send you past the timing for it to work.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Oct 25 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-10-25T11:00:00-04:00

Tricare Prime is allowed 2 "urgent care" visits per year without a referral. With Tricare Select (previously Standard), you should be able to go into any "network" urgent care any time you want.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 27 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-10-27T01:43:54-04:00

Get the Flu Vaccine. Much better than getting the flu and bulling your way through. My retiree family went to the vax clinic, all four of us in 10 minutes