WOONSOCKET, R.I., Dec. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent
data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
indicate that seasonal flu activity is increasing week over week,
with cases reported in nearly all states.i As National
Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 1-7)
begins, CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) reminds customers that it is not too
late to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their family
members from the flu.
"Flu levels typically peak between December and February, but
trends this year seem to be hinting at an early start to the flu
season," said Kevin Hourican,
President, CVS Pharmacy. "As the flu shot takes a couple of weeks
to become fully effective, now is a good time to get vaccinated so
that you have a better chance of remaining healthy throughout the
holiday season, when families and friends gather and the flu
typically begins to spread."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established
National Influenza Immunization Week (NIVW) in 2005 to highlight
the importance of continued vaccination through the busy holiday
season and into the New Year when flu activity is typically at its
peak. The flu vaccine is considered a preventive service under
the Affordable Care Act and is fully covered and available at no
cost through most insurance plans. With approximately 9,900 CVS
Pharmacy locations and 1,100 walk-in MinuteClinic locations
accepting most insurance plans, CVS Health has made vaccinations
quick, easy and accessible for patients.
Getting a flu shot protects both the individual and those around
them who may be more vulnerable to serious complications from the
flu, such as infants and young children, older adults, and people
with certain chronic health conditions. Seasonal flu outbreaks can
begin as early as October and can last as late as May, which means
it is not too late, or too early, to get vaccinated.
"As the most effective way to prevent people from contracting
the flu, a flu shot should be a priority at this time of year,"
added Angela Patterson, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer,
MinuteClinic. "But we also want to remind people that if they do
end up getting sick and think they have the flu, they should see a
health care provider as soon as symptoms develop to be able to take
advantage of available prescription and over-the-counter
medications that can help them feel better or reduce the duration
of their illness."
Flu shots are available seven days a week, with no appointment
necessary at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide,
including locations inside select Target stores. Consumers can
easily find the store closest to them
using CVS.com/flu or the CVS Pharmacy app, and for those
patients planning to go to MinuteClinic for their flu shot,
location information and current wait times can be found on the CVS
Pharmacy app or MinuteClinic.com.
CVS Health also offers customers that are exhibiting flu-like
symptoms a variety of resources to help them feel better,
sooner. Customers can talk to their CVS Pharmacist about
their symptoms and get recommendations about over-the-counter
medication options. Customers can also walk-in or schedule a visit
with a MinuteClinic provider, or can visit the MinuteClinic web
site or CVS Pharmacy app for information about initiating a
MinuteClinic Video Visit in the 40 states, and Washington, DC, where the service is currently
available.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is the nation's premier
health innovation company helping people on their path to better
health. Whether in one of its pharmacies or through its health
services and plans, CVS Health is pioneering a bold new approach to
total health by making quality care more affordable, accessible,
simple and seamless. CVS Health is community-based and locally
focused, engaging consumers with the care they need when and where
they need it. The Company has approximately 9,900 retail locations,
approximately 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy
benefits manager with approximately 102 million plan members, a
dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one
million patients per year and expanding specialty pharmacy
services. CVS Health also serves an estimated 38 million people
through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health
insurance products and related services, including rapidly
expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone
Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company believes its
innovative health care 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
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Christine
Cramer
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Mary Owens
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MinuteClinic
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CVS
Pharmacy
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CVS
Health
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CVS
Health
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401-770-3317
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401-770-9940
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Christine.Cramer@cvshealth.com
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Mary.Owens@cvshealth.com
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i https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
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SOURCE CVS Health