WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the ongoing
health impacts of COVID-19 on local communities, CVS Health is
reminding the public that it is more important than ever to stay
current with vaccinations and other routine health care needs.
By getting a flu shot this fall and taking other proactive
measures to improve general health and immunity, individuals and
families can protect themselves against seasonal flu, help
safeguard the overall health of the community and minimize the
impact on health care resources.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health1 and
conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, the impact
of COVID-19 is significantly influencing individuals' likelihood to
get a flu shot this season. Results have shown that consumers'
intention to get vaccinated has been increasing month over month,
with 66 percent of those surveyed in July saying they definitely or
likely will get a flu shot this season, compared to 34 percent of
those surveyed in January 2020. In
addition, 54 percent of consumers surveyed indicated that they plan
to get their immunization earlier than last year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that individuals make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall,
before flu season begins, and ideally no later than the end of
October.
"We know our patients and customers are doing everything they
can to keep their families as healthy as possible, while minimizing
potential exposure to the flu and COVID-19," said Jon Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, CVS
Health. "Because it can take two weeks for the vaccine to build
immunity, we encourage all of our patients to get their shot in
September or early October, before flu season peaks."
Flu shots are now available at the nearly 10,000 CVS Pharmacy
and approximately 100 MinuteClinic locations across the country.
Both CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic, the retail health clinic of CVS
Health inside select CVS Pharmacy and Target stores, offer
convenient options for people of all ages to get their flu shot,
seven days a week with expanded evening and weekend hours.
"Getting your flu shot is a great way to be proactive about your
health and the health of your community this year," said
Angela Patterson, DNP, FNP-BC,
NEA-BC, FAANP, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic and
Vice President, CVS Health. "It protects both the individual and
those around them who may be more vulnerable to serious
complications from the flu, such as infants and young children,
older adults, and people with certain chronic health
conditions."
This year, the company is taking additional steps to help
patients and colleagues feel safe during the entire immunization
process. All patients must wear a face covering and will have their
temperature taken prior to the immunization. Pharmacists and
MinuteClinic providers administering vaccines will wear personal
protection equipment (PPE) and will observe enhanced cleaning
protocols.
Patients may schedule an immunization appointment with a
MinuteClinic provider at MinuteClinic.com, or check the website to
see if walk-in appointments are available in their area. Walk-in
appointments are also welcome at CVS Pharmacy throughout flu
season.
Starting in September, CVS Pharmacy patients will also be able
to make vaccination appointments with a pharmacist by visiting
CVS.com, the CVS app, or by texting FLU to 287898. They also
will be able to complete a digital intake form prior to their visit
to limit in-person contact at the time of vaccination.
In addition, and for a limited time while supplies last in
participating states, customers will receive a $5 off $20 shopping
pass when they get a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic,
valid 8/18 through 10/31. Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS
Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside select Target stores will
receive a $5 Target coupon*
**Offer available 8/17/20–10/31/20, while supplies last. You
will receive a merchandise coupon valid for 1-time use at CVS
Pharmacy® or Longs Drugs® locations. Terms and conditions apply.
See coupon for details. $5 savings
applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are
applied). Coupon cannot be issued or redeemed at CVS Pharmacy® or
Longs Drugs® locations in Target stores, or in any location in AR,
NJ and NY. Offer not valid at MinuteClinic® locations in MA, NJ,
NY, PA and RI. Limit 1 per customer.
About CVS Health
CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming
the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on
changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether
that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local
touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest
offerings – from HealthHUB® locations that are redefining what a
pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic
conditions – are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and
more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming
health at www.cvshealth.com.
1 "Flu Intention" Survey, commissioned by CVS Health
in July 2020
CONTACT:
Mary Gattuso
Mary.Gattuso@CVSHealth.com
Matthew Blanchette
Matthew.Blanchette@CVSHealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health