Americans are heeding the advice of health officials to get an H1N1 vaccination and help prevent a potential third wave of H1N1 flu activity. Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), which is offering H1N1 vaccinations at all of its pharmacies and Take Care Clinics nationwide, has administered more than one million H1N1 vaccinations to date this season – as widespread vaccine availability and greater access enable more people to get vaccinated.
“Reaching one million H1N1 vaccinations, most of which have come in the last three weeks, shows that Americans truly value greater convenience and access to our health care providers,” said Kermit R. Crawford, Walgreens senior vice president of pharmacy. “As our country looks for ways to control escalating health care costs, this flu season has demonstrated how Walgreens can help consumers lower costs and stay well throughout the year with our affordable, preventive health care services.”
There is heightened awareness around H1N1 vaccinations nationwide this week, as yesterday marked the beginning of National Influenza Immunization Week – a Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative that highlights the importance of influenza vaccinations after the holiday season, into January and beyond. According to the CDC, the flu season peaks after the New Year 80 percent of the time. For more information on National Influenza Immunization Week, visit www.flu.gov/getvaccinated.
H1N1 vaccinations are currently available at all of Walgreens more than 7,100 pharmacies and more than 350 Take Care Clinics nationwide. H1N1 vaccinations are available at Walgreens pharmacies on a walk-in basis when an immunizing pharmacist is on staff and also may be available by appointment. Take Care Clinics at select Walgreens stores in 19 states have board-certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants who will provide vaccinations on a walk-in basis daily, pending vaccine availability. Age restrictions for pharmacist-administered vaccinations vary by state, while Take Care Clinics can immunize children age 2 and above.
The cost for the administration of H1N1 vaccine is $18. Vaccinations are covered by Medicare and may be covered by Medicaid and other insurance plans. Consumers are encouraged to check with their insurance provider for coverage details.
Walgreens has more than 70,000 health service providers, including the nation’s largest retail network of more than 17,000 licensed or certified immunizers, comprised of pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
For the nearest Walgreens pharmacy, consumers can call 1-800-Walgreens or visit www.walgreens.com/flu. For Take Care Clinic locations, consumers should visit www.takecarehealth.com or call 1-866-Take-Care.
