For the fifth consecutive year, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (Nasdaq: WAG) is
offering more than $10 million worth of flu shot vouchers free to those
without health insurance coverage and unable to afford a flu shot
without the voucher. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) is again assisting in the voucher distribution effort to help
improve flu immunization rates across the country.
Each voucher is good for one flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy in the
U.S. and Puerto Rico, Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and Healthcare
Clinic at select Walgreens, and are subject to the terms and conditions
on the voucher.
“Our ongoing collaboration with HHS has enabled Walgreens to provide
free access to flu vaccine to people in need while improving
immunization rates in underserved communities across the U.S.,” said
Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president, pharmacy health and wellness.
“This program is one of the ways in which we’re responding to the needs
of the communities we serve, and also helping to address the access
challenges of our health care system. Following another severe flu
season, we aim to help more people get, stay and live well throughout
the season with the help of the voucher program.”
Individuals who are eligible can call 1-800-925-4733 to find the nearest
Walgreens location with flu shot vouchers available, as availability is
on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
“Since 2010, more than half a million individuals have received free flu
shots and vouchers through this innovative partnership,” said J. Nadine
Gracia, MD, MSCE, deputy assistant secretary for minority health and
director of the HHS Office
of Minority Health. “In the face of persistent disparities in
influenza vaccination coverage – especially among adults – this
initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding access to
important preventive services for our most vulnerable and underserved
communities.”
Dr. Gracia received her seasonal flu shot from a Walgreens pharmacists
today, while also promoting the flu shot voucher program at the
Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy and Health Equity Festival in College
Park, Md.
Individuals who are eligible for vouchers can call 1-800-925-4733 to
find the nearest Walgreens location offering flu shot vouchers, as
availability is on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
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 8,200 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.
About U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the U.S.
government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans
and providing essential human services, especially for those who are
least able to help themselves. To find out more HHS and the services it
provides, please visit: www.hhs.gov.
Copyright Business Wire 2014