As families prepare for the fall and winter respiratory virus season, CVS Health offers a range of services designed to support preventive care and help patients manage seasonal illnesses. In addition to flu vaccination, patients can access testing and treatment options at select CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, providing connected care before, during and after illness. With health care professionals serving communities across the country, CVS Health remains committed to helping patients stay protected throughout the season.
Most Americans plan to get vaccinated this flu season
According to a survey of U.S. consumers commissioned by CVS Health1, 63% of Americans say they are likely to receive a flu vaccine this season. That is similar to the last two years when 63% said they were planning to get a flu shot in 2025 and 62% said they were planning to get a flu shot in 2024. Among those planning to get vaccinated:
- 68% plan to get a flu vaccine by the end of October.
- 34% of consumers want a flu shot before the illness is spreading widely; 28% want to get vaccinated before spending time with someone who may be vulnerable to influenza, like a newborn, older adult or someone who is ill; and 24% want to get the flu shot to help avoid missing school, work or other responsibilities.
- Habit and personal protection are the most significant motivators among people who intend to get the flu shot, with 39% of people saying they get a flu shot every year and 37% saying they get a flu shot to protect their health or their family's health.
- 43% of consumers say they plan to get a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, while 34% plan to get the flu shot at a doctor's office.
"Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective steps people can take to help protect themselves and those around them during flu season," said Amy Compton-Phillips, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. "As respiratory viruses continue to circulate each year, it's important that people and families have convenient access to trusted health care professionals who can answer questions, provide recommended vaccinations and help them stay healthy throughout the season."
CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone
The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older, with rare exceptions, receive an annual flu vaccine, with September and October generally being ideal times for vaccination ahead of peak flu activity. The updated 2026-2027 vaccine is designed to help protect against flu strains that experts anticipate will be most common this season.
To further support patients during respiratory illness season, participating CVS Pharmacy locations are offering convenient testing options, including a combination test that can detect Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 with a single swab. In states where pharmacists are authorized to both test and treat eligible patients for flu and COVID-19, patients can receive an assessment and, when appropriate, treatment recommendations during the same visit. Participating states include California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Patients can learn more about testing options by visiting CVS.com. MinuteClinic also offers testing for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 in all clinic locations.
"Patients want health care that is easy to access and fits into their busy lives," said Sid Tenneti, Senior Vice President and Interim President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. "Whether someone is looking to get vaccinated, needs help understanding symptoms, or is seeking testing and treatment options, CVS Pharmacy is committed to providing connected, convenient care in the communities we serve."
Convenient vaccination options for patients
Vaccination appointments are available seven days a week at CVS Pharmacy locations, including those inside Target stores, as well as at MinuteClinic. Patients can schedule appointments online at CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com or through the CVS Health app. The online scheduler allows patients to book appointments at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic for up to four people at once and receive multiple CDC-recommended vaccinations during a single visit, including flu, COVID-19, hepatitis B, RSV, MMR, and shingles vaccines. Organizations can also partner with CVS Health to host vaccination clinics at the workplace or within their communities, meeting patients where they are and making it easier to access recommended vaccinations.
In addition to vaccinations, MinuteClinic offers evaluation and treatment for select seasonal illnesses, including flu-like symptoms, with testing available for eligible patients. More information and appointments are available at MinuteClinic.com.
Year-round access to recommended vaccinations
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15 commonly recommended vaccinations throughout the year to help protect against preventable diseases. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS Pharmacy will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store purchases.2 Most preventive vaccines are available at no cost through many insurance plans, including Medicare Part B coverage for eligible vaccines. Out-of-pocket costs may vary based on insurance coverage and vaccine type.
Patients who receive a CDC-recommended vaccination at CVS Pharmacy may also be eligible for promotional savings and ExtraCare Rewards®, subject to program terms and conditions.
Video and photo assets from CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available here.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company's integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.
Media contacts
Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
[email protected]
Roslyn Guarino
781-974-3962
[email protected]
_________________________________
1 "Flu Intention" Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in July 2026
2 *Offer available August 10, 2026 through December 31, 2026, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. ExtraCare® card required to receive savings. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. Coupon barcode number must be provided to redeem online. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Coupon shall not be issued in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York, or at MinuteClinic® locations in Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York. Coupon cannot be redeemed at CVS Pharmacy® at Target, CVS Pharmacy® at Schnucks® or at MinuteClinic® locations. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer. In pharmacy locations at Target, eligible patients may receive a coupon to be redeemed in their respective stores. for email, add: Visit CVS.com/vaccines for details.
SOURCE CVS Health
Share this article