WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy and Direct Relief USA partnered to provide free flu vaccinations at a flu shot clinic in Dallas.
CVS said that at the clinic, held Thursday, CVS pharmacists vaccinated uninsured patients at Healing Hands Ministries Medical & Dental Clinic.
The clinic in Dallas resulted from the partnership between CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA that is offering up to $6 million this year in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients who lack health insurance. Through the program, more than 480 participating clinics and health centers nationwide, including Healing Hands Ministries Medical & Dental Clinic, are identifying uninsured individuals from their patient populations and providing them with a free flu shot voucher, redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location.
"We are committed to giving back to the communities where we do business. That is why we’ve partnered with Direct Relief USA to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to patients receiving the important preventive health care provided by a flu vaccination," Laura Underwood, area vice president of CVS/pharmacy in Texas, said in a statement. "As we enter the peak of flu season, we are pleased to extend our free flu shot program through the clinic held today at Healing Hands Ministries in Dallas."
Texas State Sen. John Carona commented, "I applaud the efforts of CVS/pharmacy, Direct Relief USA and Healing Hands Ministries for the good work they are doing in the city of Dallas and throughout the United States in their efforts to provide the gift of good health."
This year, via the CVS/pharmacy free flu shot program, Direct Relief USA sent flu vaccine vouchers to 483 clinics, 100 more clinics than last year, according to Damon Taugher, director of Direct Relief USA.
"Direct Relief is extremely grateful for the partnership with CVS/pharmacy and to be able to provide $6 million in free flu shots to uninsured people across the United States," Taugher stated. "Flu shots are an important measure in preventative health care, and Direct Relief USA is thankful to be able to provide these vaccines to patients for whom cost may have otherwise been a barrier."
