New CVS/pharmacy Survey Reveals 56 Percent Still Have Not Received a Flu Shot as Peak Flu Season Arrives

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As we enter peak flu season, flu activity is steadily increasing in the United States, with eight states now reporting widespread outbreaks of influenza cases according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report(1).

Despite this surge in flu activity, a recent CVS/pharmacy "Flu Review" survey shows 56 percent of respondents still have not received their shot, although 93 percent are aware that there already have been reported cases of the flu this season.

According to the CDC, the month with the highest percentage of flu cases (nearly 50 percent) is February(2). Yet many consumers are unaware that the highest risk month is just ahead. The CVS/pharmacy survey revealed 32 percent thought the flu season peaked in November and December, and more than a third (37 percent) incorrectly believed getting the flu shot can give you the flu, when in fact, the injectable influenza vaccination contains inactive viruses that cannot give you the flu.

"If you haven't already received a flu shot, it's not too late," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services at CVS/pharmacy. "Since the vaccine takes up to two weeks to become effective, it's important to act now so you'll be protected in February, when most flu cases are generally reported."

Licensed pharmacists are available to vaccinate at all 7,100 CVS/pharmacy stores and flu shots can be scheduled in-store or by using the online flu shot scheduler at www.cvs.com/flu. At more than 500 MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics located inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in 26 states and the District of Columbia, flu vaccines are available on demand without an appointment, and are administered daily by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

This year, only one vaccine is required for protection against three influenza strains, including the H1N1 virus and the seasonal H3N2 virus. The CDC is recommending for the first time that anyone ages six months or older get a flu shot. MinuteClinic nurse practitioners can vaccinate patients who are 18 months or older, except in Massachusetts where the minimum age is 24 months. All CVS/pharmacy stores can issue flu shots to parties 18 years of age and up. For parties under 18 years old, the minimum age for vaccinations by a pharmacist varies by state. Check with your local CVS/pharmacy or click on My Flu Shot Scheduler at cvs.com/flu to find CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations where vaccinations are available for parties under 18 years old.      

For more information, please visit www.cvs.com/flu or www.minuteclinic.com/flu.

Survey Methodology

These findings are from a survey conducted online December 30-31, 2010 among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,050 adults 18 years and older. The data were weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the 18+ population.  Because the sample is based on those who initially self-selected for participation, no estimates of sampling error can be calculated. Opinion Research Corporation of Princeton, NJ, conducted the fieldwork on behalf of CVS/pharmacy.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,100 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 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 approximately 500 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia. By creating a health care delivery model that responds to patient needs, MinuteClinic makes access to high-quality medical treatment easier for more Americans. Nationally, the company has generated more than 8 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 the national guidelines established for store-based clinics. 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 www.MinuteClinic.com.

SOURCE CVS Caremark