All CVS, MinuteClinic Locations Now Providing Flu
Shots; No Appointment Needed at Clinics
CVS introduces My Flu Shot Scheduler for online flu
shot appointments at pharmacies
Aug. 23, 2010 - CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic,
today announced that flu vaccinations are available at all of their
locations nationwide. CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,000 locations and
MinuteClinic has more than 500 locations inside select CVS/pharmacy
stores. Big crowds are expected for flu shots following a recommendation
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that everyone
over six months old get the vaccination.
CVS is also adding a new innovation this year - for
the first time, customers will be able to make an appointment to receive
a flu shot from a CVS pharmacist at the time, date and location of their
choice by using My Flu Shot Scheduler, a new online resource available
at
www.cvs.com/flu.
My Flu Shot Scheduler offers unparalleled access to
flu vaccinations by allowing consumers to make vaccination appointments
with a CVS pharmacist that are convenient for them based on their zip
code or city/town, as well as the number of people in their family who
want to be vaccinated, the company said in a news release.
The exclusive online scheduler will also identify
the times and dates of CVS/pharmacy walk-in flu clinics. My Flu Shot
Scheduler is also available by calling toll-free 1-888-FLU-SHOT or
1-888-88-GRIPE (Spanish).
This year, only one vaccine will be required for
protection against three influenza strains, including the H1N1 virus and
the seasonal H3N2 virus. In addition, CDC is recommending for the first
time that anyone ages six months or older get a flu shot, an expansion
from its previous recommendations that certain risk groups be
vaccinated.
“With this year’s ‘all-in-one’ flu vaccine and the
CDC’s recommendation that everyone be vaccinated against influenza, it
is more important than ever that customers be provided with convenient
access to a flu shot,” said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical
Officer, CVS Caremark.
“Through our ‘Flu Shots Your Way’ campaign,
consumers can make an appointment for a flu shot or take advantage of a
walk-in flu clinic at their local CVS/pharmacy, or visit a MinuteClinic
for a flu shot any day of the week with no appointment needed.“
Each year, influenza causes approximately 36,000
deaths in the United States. A flu shot can reduce the chance of
becoming infected by influenza by up to 70%. Because it takes about two
weeks to achieve full immunization from influenza after being
vaccinated, a flu shot is recommended as early as possible.
“The best protection against the flu is a flu shot.
Even if you received the H1N1 vaccine earlier this year, you should
still receive this year’s ‘all-in-one’ seasonal flu shot,” said Paulette
Thabault, RNC, MS, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic.
“Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, so getting a flu shot is
an effective way to protect both yourself and those around you.”
“In addition to getting a flu shot, consumers can
help prevent the spread of germs this flu season by remembering to wash
your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleanser,
cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, avoid contact with
people who are sick with the flu, and stay home from school or work if
you have the flu,” said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy
Professional Services, CVS/pharmacy.
“If you do catch a cold or the flu, CVS pharmacists
are available to help you find the right products to treat your
symptoms.”
MinuteClinic nurse practitioners can vaccinate
patients who are 18 months or older except in Massachusetts, where the
minimum age is 24 months. The minimum age for vaccinations by a
pharmacist varies depending on the state. Check with your local
CVS/pharmacy or visit cvs.com/flu’s My Flu Shot Scheduler to determine
minimum vaccination age by state.
MinuteClinic flu shots are administered in a
private exam room and CVS/pharmacy will use privacy screens for patients
receiving flu shots from pharmacists in the pharmacy area.
A flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic costs
$29.95 and vaccinations are covered by many insurance plans. CVS
ExtraCare cardholders who receive a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or
MinuteClinic will also receive a one-time 10% discount on non-pharmacy
purchases up to $100 at CVS/pharmacy, except where otherwise prohibited
by law.
CVS/pharmacy, is the retail division of CVS
Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). MinuteClinic, also a CVS division,
launched the first retail health care centers in the United States in
2000 and has approximately 500 locations in 25 states and the District
of Columbia.
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