CVS/pharmacy Consumer Survey Finds Less than Half of Americans are More Likely to Get Vaccinated Following Last Season's Flu Outbreak, But Many More Call getting a Flu Shot a "Social Responsibility"

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from CVS/pharmacy released today found that less than half of those surveyed (46%) were more likely to get a flu shot this year following last season's late flu outbreak. But many more - 59% - said they consider it a social responsibility to get the flu shot every year in order to keep their community healthy and minimize the spread of the influenza virus.

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All CVS/pharmacy and most MinuteClinic locations are offering flu vaccinations this week and all locations will have vaccine in stock by the end of August. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone who is at least 6 months old get a flu shot as soon the vaccine is available.

"It is important for people to get the flu shot annually because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza to others and your immunity from the virus declines over time," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs, CVS Caremark. "The results of our consumer survey demonstrate the heightened awareness among Americans to get vaccinated, and CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are two of the most convenient places to get a flu shot."  

Convenience is a major driver in a consumer's decision about where to receive a flu shot. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents agree that it is inconvenient to make an appointment for a flu shot.  

This season, more than 7,500 CVS/pharmacy stores and 650 MinuteClinic sites inside select CVS locations will be providing flu shots every day, including evenings and weekends, no appointment needed.  

The survey also indicated that 80% of respondents who have ever received a flu shot would recommend the high-dose flu vaccine to a friend or family member over the age of 65, knowing that it increases the immune system's response for added protection against the flu virus.

For customers 65 or older, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer the Fluzone^® High-Dose vaccine. The high dose vaccine contains four times the antigens as the seasonal flu vaccine in order to provide better protection for this age group, who are at greater risk of developing severe illness from the flu.

Additional key findings from the survey include:

• More than 60% agree that they feel more susceptible to the flu virus when traveling.
• Nearly two in five respondents agree that they are more likely to get a flu shot when flu outbreaks are reported in the news.
• More than half of those who have ever received a flu shot did so because they believe it keeps them healthy and safe.

Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot. 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.

In addition to flu shots, CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are available to provide a number of other vaccinations, including pneumonia and whooping cough, among others. Visit vaccines.cvs.com for more information on the vaccines offered. Certain immunizations have age and location restrictions.

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.*

Survey Methodology
This United States survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of CVS/pharmacy from June 18-20, 2013 among 2,084 adults, ages 18 and older. This survey is not based on a probability sample; therefore no assessment of theoretical sampling error can be made.

About CVS/pharmacy
CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,500 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores in the U.S. 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 a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. MinuteClinic launched the first retail medical clinics in the United States in 2000 and is the largest provider of retail clinics with more than 650 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to patient demand, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has provided care through more than 16 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic is the only retail health care provider to receive three consecutive accreditations 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 states of AR, NJ and NY. Shopping Pass is not available at MinuteClinic in the states of MA, NJ and NY. Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist, MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant is on duty, while supplies last.  

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For CVS/pharmacy:
Mike DeAngelis
[email protected]
401-770-2645

For MinuteClinic:
Brent Burkhardt, TBC
[email protected]
410-986-1303

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy