WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey
from CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) released today found that more than
one-third (34 percent) of U.S. adults who have ever received the
flu shot determine where to get vaccinated based on convenience.
Specific convenience factors that would make Americans more likely
to have themselves and their families vaccinated against the flu
include having the vaccine readily available without an appointment
(28 percent) and being able to get the entire family vaccinated at
one place/time (20 percent).
The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CVS
Pharmacy in July 2016[1] among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18+,
found that nearly half (46 percent) of Americans say that everyone
in their household gets vaccinated for the flu, however, among this
group two in five (39 percent) say it takes two or more
trips/appointments to get this accomplished.
"We understand that while most Americans intend to get
themselves and their family vaccinated against the flu each year,
lack of convenience often prohibits them from accomplishing their
goal," said Papatya Tankut, Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs at
CVS Health. "That's why we're making it easier than ever to get the
whole family vaccinated, quickly and easily, at their local CVS
Pharmacy or MinuteClinic."
Flu vaccinations are conveniently available seven days a week,
including evenings and weekends at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic
locations nationwide with no appointment needed.[2] CVS Pharmacy
can provide flu shots to adolescents (in some states, depending on
regulations), adults and seniors. MinuteClinic can provide flu
shots to children 18 months and up, adolescents, adults and
seniors, making it easy to vaccinate the whole family in one
trip.[3] In addition, customers will receive a 20 percent off CVS
Pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or
MinuteClinic.[4] Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or
MinuteClinic locations inside select Target stores will receive a
$5 Target GiftCard™.[5]
For Americans who have ever gotten a flu shot, fall months are
the most popular time to get the vaccine, with October being the
most popular month (42 percent). The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is eligible and
at least six months old get a flu shot when the vaccine becomes
available, preferably by October. All CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic
locations nationwide are now offering flu vaccinations.
"It can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to build
immunity. That's why we recommend getting a flu shot as soon as the
vaccine is available to ensure you have the best protection before
flu season peaks," said Angela
Patterson, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic.
"Also, many people don't realize that each year influenza strains
may change, so it's very important to get vaccinated every year to
make sure you are protected."
The majority of Americans try to protect themselves from
catching the flu from others (90 percent), however only half (49
percent) include the flu vaccine in ways they do this, despite the
fact that getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent
the flu.
Additional findings from the survey include:
- Fifty-nine percent of Americans get a flu vaccine every year,
or plan to get one this year
- Two in three (67 percent) Americans who received a flu vaccine
last year/plan to get one this year believe getting the vaccine is
the best way to prevent getting the flu
- Nearly two in three (64 percent) employed Americans would still
go to work even if they were feeling ill with flu-like
symptoms
- Over two-thirds of adults in the Northeast (68 percent) get a
flu vaccine every year or plan to get one this year, which is
significantly higher than those in the South (60 percent), Midwest
(56 percent) and West (54 percent)
Thirty-three percent of Americans who have ever received a flu
vaccine indicated that "where their insurance is accepted" is a
determining factor for where they get the vaccine administered. The
flu vaccine is a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act,
fully covered and available at no cost through most insurance
plans, including Medicare Part B. CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic can
directly bill many national and regional health plans that cover
all or part of the cost of a flu shot.
Please visit CVS.com/flu and/or MinuteClinic.com/flu for more
information and additional resources. Consumers can also visit
CVS.com or use the CVS Pharmacy smartphone app to locate a nearby
CVS Pharmacy. Patients planning to go to MinuteClinic to get their
flu shot can visit MinuteClinic.com to view wait times and hold
their place in line at their chosen clinic.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online
within the United States between
July 5-7, 2016 among 2,038 adults
aged 18+ by Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy. This online
survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no
estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation
company helping people on their path to better health. Through its
more than 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical
clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 80 million
plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving
more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty
pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and
communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways.
This unique integrated model increases access to quality care,
delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care
costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the
future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Amy Lanctot
alanctot@cvs.com
401.770.2931
Brent Burkhardt, TBC (for
MinuteClinic)
bburkhardt@tbc.us
410.986.1303
[1] Survey was conducted in the United
States by Harris Poll on July 5-7,
2016, among 2,038 adults ages 18 and older.
[2] Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist,
MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant is on duty,
while supplies last. Age restrictions apply.
[3] Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age
restrictions apply.
[4] Offer is not valid in the state of AR, NY and NJ. Shopping pass
is not available at MinuteClinic locations in NJ, NY MA, PA and RI.
Normal ExtraCare purchase restrictions apply for 20% Off CVS
Pharmacy Shopping Pass.
[5] Terms and conditions are applied to gift card. See gift card
for details. Gift card valid for Target merchandise
only. Offer available only at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic
locations in Target from 8/15/16 through
3/31/17. Limit one per customer. Gift card cannot be issued
in AR, NJ, and NY.
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SOURCE CVS Health