CVS, MinuteClinic announce availability of flu vaccines at U.S. locations

Cindy Allen

WOONSOCKET, Rhode Island , August 21, 2012 (press release) – CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic announced today that flu vaccinations are now available at all of their locations nationwide.

"Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step you can take to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with influenza," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "Flu season can be unpredictable and, because it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated to develop full protection, a flu shot is recommended as soon as vaccine is available."

The 2012 seasonal flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 influenza strain as well as two new strains: H3N2 and a B strain.

Here are the "Top 5" reasons you should get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic this season.

1. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic have 20,000 pharmacists and nurse practitioners ready to help people on their path to better health with a flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months old get a flu vaccine every year to protect against catching the flu. More than 20,000 immunizing health care professionals at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available to provide this important preventive health care service.

"Influenza causes between 3,600 to 49,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. Receiving a flu shot can reduce the chance of becoming infected by up to 70%," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services, CVS/pharmacy.

2. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are two of the most convenient places to get a flu shot.

More than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy stores and nearly 600 MinuteClinic sites inside select CVS/pharmacy locations are providing flu shots every day including evening and weekends, no appointment needed.

3. A flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic provides great value.

This flu season, customers will receive a 20% Off CVS/pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS or MinuteClinic. The Shopping Pass can be used with CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare card to save 20% off non-pharmacy purchases up to $100.*

A seasonal flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic costs $31.99. Many health plans, including Medicare Part B and TRICARE, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot. Direct medical billing for many national and regional health plans that cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot is also available.

4. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer a range of flu vaccines to fit patients' needs.

In addition to the regular seasonal flu shot, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic will offer patients the option to receive Fluzone® High-Dose or Fluzone® Intradermal vaccine at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic this season.

The High-Dose vaccine contains four times the antigens as the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended for people 65 and older to provide better protection for this age group, who are at greater risk of developing severe illness from the flu. The Intradermal vaccine is approved for patients ages 18-64 and has a 90% smaller needle than the regular flu shot. It injects the vaccine just under the skin instead of into the muscle.

5. Flu shots are just one of the vaccinations available at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic.

"In addition to flu shots, CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are available to provide a number of other vaccinations, including pneumonia, whooping cough and several others," said Paulette Thabault, ANP-BC, JD, CNPO, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic.

Certain immunizations have age and location restrictions. Visit https://vaccines.cvs.com for more information on the vaccines offered, to schedule a vaccination appointment or find a CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location for a walk-in vaccination.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. 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 Caremark is available at http://info.cvscaremark.com/.

About MinuteClinic

MinuteClinic is the walk-in medical clinic inside CVS/pharmacy which is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (CVS). MinuteClinic launched the first retail medical clinics in the United States in 2000 and is the largest provider of retail clinics with approximately 600 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to consumer demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 13 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to three consecutive accreditations (2006, 2009, and 2012) from The Joint Commission, the national evaluation and certifying agency for nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. For more information, visit www.MinuteClinic.com.

*Normal ExtraCare purchase restrictions apply for 20% Off Shopping Pass. ExtraCare card is not required in the state of HI. Offer is not valid in the state of NJ. Shopping Pass is not available at MinuteClinic in the states of MA, NJ and NY. Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic nurse practitioner is on duty, while supplies last.

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