CVS/pharmacy to Launch Flu Shot Donation Campaign Benefiting the USO During Week of Veterans Day

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, CVS/pharmacy, the nation's leading retail pharmacy, is reminding all Americans, including veterans, active duty troops and their families, that the best way to protect themselves this flu season is to get a flu shot. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100816/NE50800LOGO )

To honor our military heroes and their families, 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 11 to November 17, up to $100,000. The Company has pledged a minimum donation of $50,000. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families through its many morale-boosting programs and services. Last year, CVS/pharmacy donated $50,000 to the USO through its flu shot donation program.  

"We are pleased to partner with the USO again this year to remind those who protect our country to protect themselves with a flu shot this season," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs, CVS Caremark.  "Veterans Day week is an ideal time to get vaccinated before flu season peaks, because it takes a couple of weeks after the vaccine is given to provide full immunization against influenza." 

"Every year, people across the country get flu shots to keep themselves healthy," said USO SVP and Chief Development Officer, Kelli Seely. "Thanks to CVS/pharmacy, Americans can take care of themselves and our military heroes at the same time. This donation, made possible by CVS/pharmacy and its customers will help the USO provide troops and their families with programs and services they need most and to us, that is the best way we can say 'thank you' this Veterans Day."

All 7,400 CVS/pharmacy stores and the more than 600 MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS locations provide flu shots every day including evenings and weekends, no appointment needed. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic accept many health plans that typically cover the full cost of a flu shot, including TRICARE. Uniformed service members, retirees and their families with TRICARE coverage can get their flu shots at CVS/pharmacy at no cost to them.

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.*

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with 7,400 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. 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 the walk-in medical clinic inside CVS/pharmacy which is a division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). MinuteClinic launched the first retail medical clinics in the United States in 2000 and is the largest provider of retail clinics with more than 600 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 generated more than 13 million patient visits, with a 95% customer satisfaction rating.  MinuteClinic is the first retail health care provider to three consecutive accreditations (2006, 2009, and 2012) 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 in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. All of our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.  In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President's Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT&T, Clear Channel, The Coca-Cola Company, jcpenney, Kangaroo Express, Kroger, Lowe's, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation and TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG. 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 uso.org.

The USO does not endorse specific brands.

*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 or MinuteClinic nurse practitioner is on duty, while supplies last.

MEDIA CONTACTS

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

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

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy