Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community This Flu Season at CVS/Pharmacy

NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, CVS/pharmacy encourages African Americans to give the gift of good health to yourself, your family and your community by getting your seasonal flu shot.  African-Americans have lower influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates compared to the rest of the population and 67% of whites received flu shots in the past year compared to 48% of African Americans and 55% of Hispanics.  The CVS/pharmacy "all-in-one" flu shot protects against three of this season's flu viruses, including H1N1 and the new strain H3N2.  With the majority of influenza cases that can be prevented by receiving the flu vaccine, it is best to get a flu vaccination as early as possible.  The CVS/pharmacy "all-in-one" flu shots are $29.95 and are covered by many insurance plans.

African Americans have many misconceptions about getting the flu shot and do not realize that the seasonal flu can be unpredictable and even healthy people can get seriously ill from the flu.  Approximately 75% of all influenza and pneumonia deaths in African Americans occur among those 65 and over.  Many African Americans also believe that if they get the flu shot, they will get seriously ill.  It is even thought among African Americans that the flu shot administered in retail settings is not of the same quality and standard as the flu shot from their doctor's office.  None of these myths are true.  

"CDC's new universal recommendation was expanded this year to encourage anyone 6 months of age or older to get a flu shot," explains well-known medical expert, Dr. Ian Smith and CVS/pharmacy spokesperson.  "The CVS/pharmacy 'all-in-one' flu shot is a convenient way to get protected against the flu and a great gift this holiday season to yourself and your loved ones.  It is administered by licensed CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and it is the same flu shot that you would get from your doctor."

CVS/pharmacy is also offering flu shot gift cards, which is another a great way to give the gift of good health to your loved ones and your community this holiday season.  Flu shot gift cards are $29.95.

Every CVS/pharmacy, as well as all MinuteClinic locations, is providing flu vaccinations this holiday season.  CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,100 stores across the country and there are approximately 500 MinuteClinic locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. For more information on the CVS/pharmacy "all-in-one" flu shot or to find a CVS/pharmacy near you, visit www.cvs.com

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.

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy