WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE:
CVS) is encouraging families to get their flu shots during National
Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 3-9)
in preparation for peak flu season. A recent survey released by CVS
Health found that nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of Americans get a
flu vaccine every year, or plan to get one this year. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established National
Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in 2005 to remind people to get
vaccinated through the busy holiday season and into the new year,
when cases of the flu typically increase.
According to the CDC, only about 40 percent of the U.S.
population reported having been vaccinated by the end of November
last year. "National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder
to make time during the busy holiday season to get your annual flu
shot," said Papatya Tankut, Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs at
CVS Health. "With many people gathering for the holidays and flu
activity beginning to increase, getting vaccinated will help ensure
a healthier holiday for you and your loved ones."
The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu and
is considered a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act.
The vaccine is fully covered and available at no cost through most
insurance plans. With more than 9,700 CVS Pharmacy stores and 1,100
walk-in MinuteClinic locations accepting most insurance plans, CVS
Health has made vaccinations quick, easy and accessible for
patients.
This year's flu survey sheds light on the increasing number of
factors families consider when deciding where, when, and how to get
vaccinated. Among those who have ever received a flu vaccine, the
top considerations on where to receive the vaccine include
convenience (37%), doctor recommendations (36%) and where insurance
is accepted (35%).
The survey also revealed that nearly two in three (65 percent)
employed Americans would still go to work even if they were feeling
ill with flu-like symptoms.
"The influenza virus is highly contagious and can be easily
spread through a workplace environment through direct contact with
co-workers or infected surfaces," said Angela Patterson, Chief
Nurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic. "Influenza infection
can have potentially serious effects and getting vaccinated is
vital to staying healthy, especially when working alongside
co-workers who may have already contracted the virus."
Getting the flu shot protects you and those around you who may
be more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young
children, older people, and people with certain chronic health
conditions. With seasonal flu outbreaks beginning as early as
October and lasting as late as May, it is not too late to get a flu
shot as it is the best defense against getting the flu.
Flu shots are available seven days a week, with no appointment
necessary at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide,
including locations inside select Target stores.1
Consumers can easily find the store closest to them using CVS.com
or the CVS Pharmacy app, and for those patients planning to go to
MinuteClinic for their flu shot, location information and current
wait times can be found on the CVS Pharmacy app or
MinuteClinic.com.
In addition, customers will receive a $5 off $25 coupon
when they get a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic. Patients
who receive a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations
inside select Target stores will receive a $5 Target coupon.2
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their
path to better health. Through its more than 9,700 retail
locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading
pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a
dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one
million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services,
and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan,
the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage
health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique
integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better
health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more
information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at
https://www.cvshealth.com.
Media Contact
Amy Lanctot, CVS Pharmacy
T: 401-770-2931
E: Amy.Lanctot@CVSHealth.com
1 Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist,
MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant is on duty,
while supplies last. Age restrictions apply. Vaccinations vary by
state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply.
2 Offer is not valid in the state of AR, HI, NY and
NJ. $5 of $25 CVS Pharmacy coupon is not available at
MinuteClinic locations in MA, PA and RI. Normal ExtraCare purchase
restrictions apply for $5 of
$25 CVS Pharmacy coupon. Terms and
conditions are applied to coupon. See coupon for details.
$5 Target coupon cannot be issued in
AR, HI, NJ, and NY and is not available at MinuteClinic locations
in MA, PA and RI. Coupon valid for Target merchandise
only. Offer available only at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic
locations in Target from 8/14/17 through
3/31/18. Limit one per customer.
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SOURCE CVS Health