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WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Convenience and insurance coverage are chief factors for consumers in deciding where to get a flu shot, according to a poll from CVS Health.
A Harris Poll online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults in July, conducted for CVS Pharmacy, found that 34% of respondents who have ever received the flu shot determine where to get vaccinated based on convenience. Americans are more likely to have themselves and their families vaccinated against the flu if the vaccine is readily available without an appointment (cited by 28% of respondents) and if the whole family can be vaccinated at one place/time (20%).
Thirty-three percent of respondents who have ever received a flu shot said acceptance of their health insurance guides where they get immunized. Under the Affordable Care Act, the flu vaccine is a preventive service fully covered and available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.
All of the more than 9,600 CVS Pharmacy and 1,100 MinuteClinic locations are now offering flu vaccinations daily on a walk-in basis. CVS Health said 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.
Of those polled, 46% reported that everyone in their household gets vaccinated for the flu, but among this group 39% said it takes two or more trips or appointments to get that 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,” Papatya Tankut, vice president of pharmacy affairs at CVS Health, said in a statement. “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.”
Fifty-nine percent of adults surveyed said they get a flu vaccine every year or plan to get one this year. For those who have ever received a flu shot, the fall months are the most popular time to get vaccinated, with October being the most popular month (42%).
Sixty-eight percent of adults in the Northeast get a flu vaccine each year or plan to get one this year, compared with 60% for those in the South, 56% for the Midwest and 54% in the West.
The Harris poll for CVS revealed some disparity in consumer perceptions in terms of getting a flu shot and influenza prevention.
Sixty-seven percent Americans who got a flu vaccine last year or plan to do so this year think that getting the vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu. Also, The 90% of respondents indicated that they try to protect themselves from catching the flu from others. Yet just 49% include the flu vaccine among the ways they try to prevent influenza. What’s more, 64% of employed Americans would still go to work even if they had flu-like symptoms.
“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.”
CVS Pharmacy can provide flu shots to adults, seniors and, depending on state regulations, to adolescents. MinuteClinic can administer flu shots to children ages 18 months and older, adolescents, adults and seniors, which CVS Health noted makes it easier to vaccinate the whole family in one trip.
Customers getting a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy store or MinuteClinic receive a 20%-off CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass. Those receiving a flu vaccine at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic inside a Target stores get a $5 Target gift card.
Consumers can visit CVS.com or use the CVS Pharmacy mobile app to locate a nearby CVS Pharmacy. Patients planning to go to MinuteClinic to get a flu shot can visit MinuteClinic.com to view wait times and hold their place in line at their selected clinic.
