Walgreens Launches 2026-2027 Flu Index as Activity Tracks Four Weeks Ahead of Recent Seasons
New data highlights emerging respiratory illness trends and the importance of vaccination before activity increases locally
DEERFIELD, Ill., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Walgreens today launched the 2026-2027 Walgreens Flu Index, an interactive online tool that tracks flu, COVID-19 and other acute respiratory illness activity nationwide. Updated weekly on Mondays, the Flu Index provides state- and county-level insights using multiple sources, including Walgreens flu and COVID-19 testing data, prescription antivirals and over-the-counter cold and flu purchasing trends.
This year's early data suggests flu season is already underway, sooner than in recent years. Nationally, flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons, with cases increasing across many western states and Florida. Walgreens is also dispensing more flu antiviral prescriptions than during the same period last year. Sales data also shows increased demand for common cold and flu products, including double-digit year-over-year increases in cold and flu medications, at-home COVID-19 and flu tests, cough drops and tea. With flu activity beginning to increase, now is an ideal time to get vaccinated before it becomes more widespread in your community.
Staying Protected This Flu Season
As flu activity continues to evolve, vaccination remains an important way people can protect themselves throughout the season. Flu vaccines are updated each year to protect against the strains expected to spread.
"Flu activity can vary significantly from one community to another, and knowing what's happening locally can make a real difference," said Rick Gates, Walgreens chief pharmacy & enterprise external affairs officer. "The Walgreens Flu Index gives people timely information to make informed decisions about prevention, including getting vaccinated before flu becomes more widespread in their community."
Walgreens offers several flu vaccine options, including standard-dose vaccines, higher-dose vaccines, which are recommended by the CDC for patients 65 and older, as well as the new mRNA flu vaccine at select locations.1 Patients can walk into a local Walgreens pharmacy or schedule for up to four patients in advance at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, by texting "Flu" to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.2
Walgreens is also investing in a more convenient vaccination experience this season by increasing pharmacy staffing, expanding appointment availability and allowing patients to schedule further in advance.
As an added benefit, patients who get a vaccine at Walgreens can earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on their next eligible in-store purchase of $5 or more as a myWalgreens® member. myWalgreens® member patients also receive 10% back in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases for the next 30 days.3
Beyond vaccination, Walgreens pharmacists can help patients navigate flu season and identify options to manage common symptoms if illness strikes. Keeping cold and flu supplies on hand, such as Severe Cold & Flu Caplets, Honey Lemon Cough Drops, Sugar Free Hydration Plus Electrolyte Drink Mix and Vitamin C, can also make it easier to care for yourself and loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Walgreens Flu Index?
The Walgreens Flu Index is an interactive online tool that tracks flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide. The map, which is updated every Monday, shows the current levels of flu, COVID-19 and overall acute respiratory illness activity relative to an annual baseline.
The Flu Index utilizes multiple sources, including Walgreens flu and COVID-19 testing data, prescription antivirals and over-the-counter cold and flu purchasing trends to calculate a score that ranges from 0 (lowest activity) to 10 (highest activity). Scores are calculated weekly for each state/territory and over 1,500 counties.4
Users can view national activity or search by state to see where their geographic area ranks in any given week and how current activity compares to last season. The Flu Index is not intended to illustrate flu severity, but rather to provide insight into where flu activity is occurring and how it is changing over time to help community members, media, healthcare providers and health officials make informed decisions.
Why did Walgreens create the Walgreens Flu Index?
For 125 years, Walgreens has been a trusted part of communities across the country, helping patients access the care, services and information they need to stay healthy. The Flu Index is an extension of that commitment. With thousands of locations nationwide, Walgreens is uniquely positioned to observe trends in testing, treatment and symptom management during the respiratory virus season. Walgreens created the Flu Index to turn those insights into a practical tool that helps patients better understand respiratory illness activity and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
How can people protect themselves if flu is spreading in their area?
Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect against flu, even when flu is already spreading in communities. Vaccination remains important regardless of current local activity. Walgreens offers flu shots nationwide with convenient walk-in availability and flexible scheduling options.
Local Walgreens pharmacists can also help answer questions about vaccination and recommend products to help manage common symptoms if illness strikes.
Should individuals still get vaccinated if they are not in an area with high flu or COVID-19 activity?
Yes, it remains critically important to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and other common respiratory illnesses, if eligible, regardless of current local activity. Flu activity can change throughout the season, so getting vaccinated now can help provide protection if flu begins circulating more widely in your area later.
Flu shots are available at Walgreens pharmacies nationwide, and walk-ins are welcome. You can also schedule an appointment in advance at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, by texting "Flu" to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
1 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Flu and People 65 Years and Older." September 4, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
2 Vaccines subject to availability. Walgreens administers applicable vaccinations for children ages three and older. State-, age-, and health-related restrictions may apply.
3 Must be a myWalgreens® member. Offer available for a limited time and valid for 14 days from vaccination date. Must scan coupon at checkout to earn rewards/activate. Coupon offer not valid in AR, NJ, or NY. Limit three coupons per person. See coupon for terms and restrictions. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age-, and health-related restrictions may apply. Additional terms and exclusions apply. Complete details, including Walgreens Cash rewards expiration dates, at Walgreens.com/offerdetails.
$15 Offer
- Earn rewards on qualifying in-store purchases of $5+. Limit one storewide coupon redeemed per transaction, up to three redemptions per offer period. Maximum $45 Walgreens Cash rewards per member.
10% Offer
- Earn rewards on qualifying in-store purchases of $1+. Scan once to activate offer. Limit one offer per myWalgreens® member. Maximum $100 Walgreens Cash rewards. Offer valid for 30 days following activation.
4 The Flu Index only covers markets in which Walgreens has 10 locations or more.
Media Contact
Carly Kaplan
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SOURCE Walgreen Co.
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