WOONSOCKET, R.I., Dec. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- During National
Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec.
4-10), CVS Pharmacy is reminding families nationwide that
it's not too late to receive a flu shot to protect themselves from
the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
established National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2005 to
emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated as the holiday
season begins and even into the new year, since a flu shot is the
best way to prevent the flu.
A recent survey released by CVS Health found that nearly two in
five Americans make multiple trips to get their entire household
vaccinated, pointing to a lack of convenience as a real hurdle for
families looking to get the flu shot. With CVS Pharmacy's more than
9,600 retail pharmacies and 1,100 walk-in MinuteClinics to choose
from, getting the whole family vaccinated this flu season has never
been more convenient.
"National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder that
the flu virus doesn't take the holidays off and families should
make sure they're protected by getting vaccinated," said Papatya
Tankut, R.Ph., Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs at CVS Health.
"CVS Pharmacy understands that families' schedules are packed with
holiday to-dos this time of year, and that's why we make getting
the flu shot convenient."
The survey also revealed that two in three (64 percent) employed
Americans would still go to work even if they were feeling ill with
flu-like symptoms.
"With many people choosing to go to work even when they're
experiencing flu-like symptoms, it's vital to take all precautions
necessary to avoid getting sick," said Angela Patterson, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, Chief
Nurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic. "Getting a flu shot is
the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from
the flu and the potentially serious effects of influenza
infection."
The flu virus changes year over year, which is why the CDC
recommends an annual flu shot for everyone six months and older.
According to the CDC, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as
October and continue as late as May, which means it is not too late
to get a flu shot. In addition, if you haven't yet been vaccinated
and have already gotten sick with a flu virus this season, a flu
vaccine can still protect you from other strains of the flu,
further stressing the importance of getting vaccinated.
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are dedicated to making the
vaccination process as convenient as possible; flu shots are
available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends at
locations nationwide with no appointment needed. For added
convenience, CVS Pharmacy customers can schedule their flu shot in
advance using the Immunization Scheduler at CVS.com. Patients
planning to go to MinuteClinic to get their flu shot can visit
MinuteClinic.com to view wait times and hold their place in line at
their chosen clinic.
The flu vaccine is considered a preventive service under the
Affordable Care Act, and is fully covered and available at no cost
through most insurance plans. In addition, customers will receive a
20 percent off CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot
at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.[1] Patients who receive a flu shot
at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside select Target
stores will receive a $5 Target
GiftCard™.[2]
About CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), is
America's leading retail pharmacy with over 9,600 locations. It is
the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco and the
first pharmacy in the nation to receive the Community Pharmacy
accreditation from URAC, the leading health care accreditation
organization that establishes quality standards for the health care
industry. CVS Pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on
their path to better health by providing the most accessible and
personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com.
General information about CVS Pharmacy and CVS Health is available
at www.cvshealth.com.
About MinuteClinic
MinuteClinic is the retail medical clinic of CVS Health (NYSE:
CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United
States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail medical clinics in
the United States in 2000 and is
the largest provider of retail clinics with more than 1,100
locations in 33 states and the District
of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that
responds to patient demand, MinuteClinic makes access to
high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans.
Nationally, the company has provided care through more than 30
million patient visits, with a 95 percent customer satisfaction
rating. MinuteClinic is the only retail health care provider to
receive four consecutive accreditations from The Joint Commission,
the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 21,000
health care organizations and programs in the United States.
For more information, visit www.minuteclinic.com.
Media
Contact
Amy Lanctot, CVS Pharmacy
T: 401-770-2931
E: Amy.Lanctot@CVSHealth.com
[1] Offer is not valid in the state of AR, NY and NJ. Shopping
pass is not available at MinuteClinic locations in NJ, NY MA, PA
and RI. Normal ExtraCare purchase restrictions apply for 20% Off
CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass.
[2] Terms and conditions are applied to gift card. See gift card
for details. Gift card valid for Target merchandise
only. Offer available only at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic
locations in Target from 8/15/16 through
3/31/17. Limit one per customer. Gift card cannot be issued
in AR, NJ, and NY.
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SOURCE CVS Pharmacy