CVS Health Survey Reveals Two in Five Americans Make Multiple Trips to get Entire Household Vaccinated against the Flu

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) released today found that more than one-third (34 percent) of U.S. adults who have ever received the flu shot determine where to get vaccinated based on convenience. Specific convenience factors that would make Americans more likely to have themselves and their families vaccinated against the flu include having the vaccine readily available without an appointment (28 percent) and being able to get the entire family vaccinated at one place/time (20 percent).

The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy in July 2016[1] among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18+, found that nearly half (46 percent) of Americans say that everyone in their household gets vaccinated for the flu, however, among this group two in five (39 percent) say it takes two or more trips/appointments to get this accomplished.

"We understand that while most Americans intend to get themselves and their family vaccinated against the flu each year, lack of convenience often prohibits them from accomplishing their goal," said Papatya Tankut, Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs at CVS Health. "That's why we're making it easier than ever to get the whole family vaccinated, quickly and easily, at their local CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic."

Flu vaccinations are conveniently available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide with no appointment needed.[2] CVS Pharmacy can provide flu shots to adolescents (in some states, depending on regulations), adults and seniors. MinuteClinic can provide flu shots to children 18 months and up, adolescents, adults and seniors, making it easy to vaccinate the whole family in one trip.[3] In addition, customers will receive a 20 percent off CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.[4] Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside select Target stores will receive a $5 Target GiftCard™.[5]

For Americans who have ever gotten a flu shot, fall months are the most popular time to get the vaccine, with October being the most popular month (42 percent). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is eligible and at least six months old get a flu shot when the vaccine becomes available, preferably by October. All CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide are now offering flu vaccinations.

"It can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to build immunity. That's why we recommend getting a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available to ensure you have the best protection before flu season peaks," said Angela Patterson, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic. "Also, many people don't realize that each year influenza strains may change, so it's very important to get vaccinated every year to make sure you are protected."

The majority of Americans try to protect themselves from catching the flu from others (90 percent), however only half (49 percent) include the flu vaccine in ways they do this, despite the fact that getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu.

Additional findings from the survey include:

• Fifty-nine percent of Americans get a flu vaccine every year, or plan to get one this year
• Two in three (67 percent) Americans who received a flu vaccine last year/plan to get one this year believe getting the vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu
• Nearly two in three (64 percent) employed Americans would still go to work even if they were feeling ill with flu-like symptoms
• Over two-thirds of adults in the Northeast (68 percent) get a flu vaccine every year or plan to get one this year, which is significantly higher than those in the South (60 percent), Midwest (56 percent) and West (54 percent)

Thirty-three percent of Americans who have ever received a flu vaccine indicated that "where their insurance is accepted" is a determining factor for where they get the vaccine administered. The flu vaccine is a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act, fully covered and available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic can directly bill many national and regional health plans that cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot.

Please visit CVS.com/flu and/or MinuteClinic.com/flu for more information and additional resources. Consumers can also visit CVS.com or use the CVS Pharmacy smartphone app to locate a nearby CVS Pharmacy. Patients planning to go to MinuteClinic to get their flu shot can visit MinuteClinic.com to view wait times and hold their place in line at their chosen clinic. 

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States between July 5-7, 2016 among 2,038 adults aged 18+ by Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 80 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, 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 CONTACTS:

Amy Lanctot
[email protected] 
401.770.2931

Brent Burkhardt, TBC (for MinuteClinic)
[email protected] 
410.986.1303

[1] Survey was conducted in the United States by Harris Poll on July 5-7, 2016, among 2,038 adults ages 18 and older. 
[2] Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist, MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant is on duty, while supplies last. Age restrictions apply. 
[3] Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply.
[4] Offer is not valid in the state of AR, NY and NJ. Shopping pass is not available at MinuteClinic locations in NJ, NY MA, PA and RI. Normal ExtraCare purchase restrictions apply for 20% Off CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass. 
[5] Terms and conditions are applied to gift card. See gift card for details.  Gift card valid for Target merchandise only.  Offer available only at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations in Target from 8/15/16 through 3/31/17. Limit one per customer. Gift card cannot be issued in AR, NJ, and NY.

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SOURCE CVS Health

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