CVS Health Reminds Families It's Not Too Late to Get Their Flu Shot During National Influenza Vaccination Week

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: [email protected]

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.

SOURCE CVS Health

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