CVS/pharmacy Recognizes Veterans Day by Supporting the USO and Encouraging Those Who Protect Our Country to Protect Themselves with a Flu Shot

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Veterans Day approaches, CVS/pharmacy, the nation's leading retail pharmacy, is reminding all Americans, including veterans, military service members and their families, about the importance of getting a flu shot for protection against the flu. In addition, to honor our military heroes, CVS/pharmacy will donate $3 to the USO for every flu shot given at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic during the week of Veterans Day, November 6 to November 12, up to $50,000. The USO is a nonprofit, congressionally chartered private organization whose mission is to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families through its many programs and services.

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"Veterans Day falls within the peak of flu season, so this is an ideal opportunity for people to protect themselves against the flu while at the same time supporting those who protect our country," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services at CVS/pharmacy.  "We are pleased to recognize Veterans Day through our donation to the USO, an organization that has supported countless U.S. service members over the years."

"America's military heroes make the commitment to protect our country, so it is an honor for the USO to be part of an effort that focuses on protecting them," said USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson. "Our partnership with CVS/pharmacy offers a double dose of gratitude to those who deserve it most this Veterans Day - a flu shot that will keep Americans healthy and a donation from CVS/pharmacy that will go towards USO programs to lift the spirits of our troops and their families."

A flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic costs $29.99, but many health plans are accepted that cover the cost of a flu shot.  For example, flu vaccinations administered at CVS/pharmacy are fully covered under the TRICARE health plan, so uniformed service members, retirees and their families with TRICARE coverage can get their flu shots at CVS/pharmacy at no cost to them. 

Flu vaccinations are available at all CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide every day, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment necessary. CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,300 locations and MinuteClinic has nearly 600 locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores.

Customers whose flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic is not covered by insurance will receive a $5 CVS/pharmacy gift card.

NOTES:

• USO does not endorse specific brands or products.
• TRICARE accepted at CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores only.
• $5 gift card offer excludes MA, NJ and NY.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, 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 health care centers in the United States in 2000 and is the first provider to establish a national presence, with nearly 600 locations in 26 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 10 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating. MinuteClinic consistently brings innovation to the marketplace and sets new standards for clinical quality that exceed national guidelines. MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to receive accreditation (2006) and reaccreditation (2009) 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 http://www.minuteclinic.com/.

About the USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide.  We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.  

The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors.  In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President's Circle Partners: American Airlines and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Procter & Gamble. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381).  To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit www.uso.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

For USO
Kenya Friend-Daniel
[email protected]
703-908-6491

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy