CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients'
vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches.
CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual
flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults
ages 60 and up. In addition, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are preparing to offer
a new CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccine once approved and available. To
help patients plan ahead, appointments can be scheduled in advance using the
digital scheduler at CVS.com or in the CVS Pharmacy app. MinuteClinic is
offering the flu vaccinations and routine wellness visits with appointments
available at MinuteClinic.com.
"Receiving vaccinations for common illnesses like flu and RSV is a
cornerstone of preventive care, and helps patients protect not only themselves,
but also the health of their broader community," said Sree Chaguturu,
Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. "Access is
key, and with our national footprint of pharmacies and retail medical clinics,
we're making it easier than ever to get vaccinated in a timely, safe and
convenient way."
READ MORE: 3 steps to take for better health this fall
According to a survey of U.S. consumers commissioned by CVS Health*, timing,
convenience and scheduling were cited as important factors when choosing when
and where to get a flu vaccine. Other findings include:
- 75% of
people who plan to receive their flu shot, plan to do so before November
- Seniors are
the demographic most likely to get vaccinated (74%); but 2/3 of
those over age 18 expect to get a shot
- 42% of patients
are likely to visit a retail pharmacy for their flu shot, followed by a
doctor's office (33%)
- 78% of
patients said convenient hours that work with their schedule was an
important factor when choosing a pharmacy for their flu shot
- Of
those planning to get a flu shot, 62% plan to schedule their
appointment online, up 43% over the last two years
Digital scheduling at CVS.com and in the CVS Pharmacy app offers the
flexibility to schedule multiple patients at once, allowing families,
caregivers and other groups to get vaccinated together. Patients can also
schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment, such as flu and RSV, as
recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In
addition, patients can choose to walk into their local CVS Pharmacy and request
a vaccination, seven days a week, including during evening and weekend hours.
MinuteClinic flu vaccination and sick symptom visits (during which patients can
get tested for flu, COVID-19, strep throat, etc.) are available by appointment
at MinuteClinic.com.
"Pharmacists are trusted community health providers, thanks to their
frequent and meaningful interactions with patients," said Prem Shah,
Executive Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, CVS Health, Co-President,
Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness. "As a result of their long-standing
relationships with patients, our pharmacy teams can help identify vaccination
gaps and recommend other care interventions on the spot, ensuring that patients
always have access to advice and support."
In addition to flu and RSV, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15
of the most common recommended vaccinations, including shingles, pneumonia
(pneumococcal), hepatitis B and more. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended
vaccine at CVS Pharmacy will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store
purchases.*
According to the CDC, patients should get their flu vaccination early in the
fall, before flu season begins, and ideally no later than the end of October.
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer multiple flu vaccine options, including the
adjuvanted and higher dose vaccine which is recommended by the CDC for
seniors. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at no cost for all patients, and
flu vaccines are available at no cost with most insurance plans, including
Medicare Part B.
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions
company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve
the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital
channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000
physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever
people need us, we help them with their health – whether that's managing
chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing
affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help
people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by
improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every
meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day.
Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
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