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WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 2-8), CVS Health is reminding customers that it is not too late to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu. 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.
Following last year’s flu season, which saw the highest levels of flu cases since 2009, a recent survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy, found that 22 percent of those surveyed say that knowledge of last year’s severe flu season makes them more likely to get a flu shot this year. Additionally, two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed get a flu vaccine every year, or plan to get one this year, a five percent increase from last year’s survey findings.
“Flu levels are typically at their highest between December and February, and while we are seeing an increased number of vaccinations this year, it’s important to remind those who have not yet gotten vaccinated that there is still time to do so,” said Papatya Tankut, vice president, Pharmacy Affairs, CVS Health. “With the flu typically spreading to many communities this time of year and people gathering for the holidays, it is especially important for families to get vaccinated to ensure they remain healthy through the holiday season and into 2019.”
The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu and is considered a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act. The vaccine is fully covered and available at no cost through most insurance plans. With more than 9,800 CVS Pharmacy locations and 1,100 walk-in MinuteClinic locations accepting most insurance plans, CVS Pharmacy has made vaccinations quick, easy and accessible for patients.
The survey also found that 67% of those surveyed would still go to work if they were feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, up two percent from last year.
“Many people may be working, studying or gathering in environments where they are readily exposed to the flu virus. That’s why getting vaccinated should be a top priority as people look for ways to protect themselves from the potentially serious effects of the flu,” added Angela Patterson, chief nurse practitioner officer, MinuteClinic.
Getting the flu shot protects both the individual and those who may be more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Seasonal flu outbreaks 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.
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.
