Following a second straight severe flu season in the U.S., and one which
impacted younger adults in particular with increased hospitalizations,
health officials are encouraging early vaccination to help protect
against influenza this season. Flu shots are now available at all
Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (Nasdaq: WAG) pharmacies, Healthcare Clinics at
select Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies in New York.
Flu shots are now available at all Walgreens pharmacies, Healthcare Clinics at select Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies. (Photo: Business Wire)
Flu shots are offered daily during all pharmacy and clinic hours,
including nights, overnights at 24-hour pharmacy locations, weekends and
holidays1, with no appointment necessary. Age restrictions
vary by state at Walgreens pharmacies, while Healthcare Clinics at
select Walgreens can provide immunizations for patients age 2 and older.
Flu shots are covered for eligible patients under Medicare Part B as
well as most insurance plans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an
annual flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months as soon as the
vaccine becomes available.
“The flu has certainly hit harder the past couple of seasons, which is
why it’s important to protect yourself and to do so early given the
unpredictability that comes with every flu season,” said Harry Leider,
M.D., Walgreens chief medical officer. “We’ve seen growing numbers of
people waiting until December or January, or until flu activity becomes
more widespread before getting their flu shot. The more people who get
vaccinated, the better the community at large can be protected, however
that 'herd immunity' has been lacking somewhat the last two years, which
has been a contributor to more severe flu seasons.”
Walgreens data shows that over the last two seasons, an average of 26
percent of flu shots administered at its pharmacies and Healthcare
Clinics came in December and January – approximately three times the
percentage that were administered in those traditionally slower months
during more typical flu seasons of 2010-’11 and 2011-’12.
Flu shots are offered on a walk-in basis, and those interested in
appointments can schedule one online for any Walgreens or Healthcare
Clinic by visiting www.walgreens.com
or www.walgreens.com/clinic.
Walgreens points of care this season offer a number of vaccine options
that may include standard seasonal flu vaccine, a needle-free nasal
alternative, a high-dose influenza vaccine for those over age 65 and a
quadrivalent vaccine which protects against four strains of influenza.
About Walgreens
As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2013 sales of $72
billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com)
vision is to be the first choice in health and daily living for everyone
in America, and beyond. Each day, in communities across America, more
than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens using the most
convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and
trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and
advice. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty,
infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with online and
mobile services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs
for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health
systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company
operates 8,217 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business
includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and
VisionDirect.com. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary
that manages more than 400 in-store convenient care clinics throughout
the country.
1 While immunizing health professional is on duty. Subject to
availability. State, age and health-related restrictions apply. See
pharmacy for details.
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