CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic join forces against flu

With influenza causing thousands of deaths in the United States every year and the 2010-2011 flu season around the corner, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic today announced the availability of flu shots at all of their locations nationwide.

For the first time ever, consumers now can make an appointment online to receive a flu shot from a CVS pharmacist at the time, date and location of their choice. That‘s one of the key reasons we are advertising the availability of flu shots this year as “Flu Shots Your Way.”

My Flu Shot Scheduler, a new online resource available at CVS.com’s “Fight-the-flu resource center”, will allow customers to schedule their own vaccination appointments. The exclusive online scheduler also identifies times and dates of CVS/pharmacy walk-in flu clinics based on your zip code or city/town.

This year, only one vaccine is required for protection against three influenza strains, including the H1N1 virus and the seasonal H3N2 virus. In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending for the first time that anyone ages six months or older get a flu shot.

With this year’s all-in-one flu vaccine and the CDC’s recommendation that everyone be vaccinated against influenza, it is more important than ever that consumers receive flu shots. A flu shot can reduce the chance of becoming infected by influenza by up to 70 percent. 

Even if you received the H1N1 vaccine earlier this year, you should still receive this year’s all-in-one flu shot to protect yourself and those around you. In addition to the shot, you can help prevent the spread of flu by washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, avoiding contact with people who are sick with the flu, and staying home from school or work if you have the flu. If you do get sick, CVS/pharmacy pharmacists can help you determine the appropriate treatments for your symptoms.

A flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic costs $29.95 – the vaccinations are covered by many insurance plans. CVS ExtraCare cardholders who receive a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic will receive a one-time 10 percent discount on non-pharmacy purchases up to $100 at CVS/pharmacy. My Flu Shot Scheduler is also available by calling toll-free 1-888-FLU-SHOT or 1-888-88-GRIPE (Spanish).