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

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 21:05:20 -0400

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

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 22:10:10 -0400

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

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 23:29:46 -0400

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

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 06:28:35 -0400

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

PO1 Don Gulizia — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 11:00:00 -0400

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

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 01:43:54 -0400

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