Content about Flu season

February 1, 2012

As many as 111 million Americans had gotten a flu shot by mid-November, representing 36% of the 305 million Americans older than 6 months of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in early December.

As many as 111 million Americans had gotten a flu shot by mid-November, representing 36% of the 305 million Americans older than 6 months of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in early December. The number of people getting vaccinated is up slightly from last year, the CDC reported, most notably among children and seniors.

December 5, 2011

In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 4 to 10, CVS/pharmacy and its in-store health clinic business, MinuteClinic, are reminding families to "vaccinate before they celebrate" the holidays and receive their annual flu shot before the flu season peaks.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 4 to 10, CVS/pharmacy and its in-store health clinic business, MinuteClinic, are reminding families to "vaccinate before they celebrate" the holidays and receive their annual flu shot before the flu season peaks.

December 2, 2011

In an effort to emphasize the importance of being protected against the flu, Illinois governor Pat Quinn visited a Chicago Walgreens to receive his seasonal flu shot.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In an effort to emphasize the importance of being protected against the flu, Illinois governor Pat Quinn visited a Chicago Walgreens to receive his seasonal flu shot.

Walgreens, which announced earlier this week that it was teaming up with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide flu shot vouchers to uninsured Americans, offers flu shots at its pharmacies at Take Care Clinics daily, with no appointment necessary.

Quinn received his flu shot Friday at Walgreens on 933 N. State St. in Chicago.

November 30, 2011

Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services is assisting in the distribution of the vouchers in markets across the country.

November 18, 2011

Citi Investment Research & Analysis is projecting that the peak of flu season may occur beyond last season's peak of January/February, a factor that may place a negative drag on retail same-store sales results over first quarter 2012.

NEW YORK — Citi Investment Research & Analysis is projecting that the peak of flu season may occur beyond last season's peak of January/February, a factor that may place a negative drag on retail same-store sales results over first quarter 2012.

November 9, 2011

According to the most recent consumer snapshot survey by Interclick, 42% of Americans are planning to be immunized this year.

NEW YORK — According to the most recent consumer snapshot survey by Interclick, 42% of Americans are planning to be immunized this year.

The survey, released Wednesday, explores consumer behaviors ahead of flu season, including sentiment on the shots, preferred treatment brands and where they go for the latest news on the flu.

November 9, 2011

Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe flu shots prevent the flu, but only half plan to get the shot this year, according to the "Safeway Seasonal Wellness Survey," conducted by Kelton Research.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe flu shots prevent the flu, but only half plan to get the shot this year, according to the "Safeway Seasonal Wellness Survey," conducted by Kelton Research.

This is especially surprising, given that 89% said getting a flu shot is “as important” (50%) or “more important” (39%) than it was five years ago.

November 7, 2011

As Veterans Day approaches, CVS/pharmacy is reminding all Americans, including veterans, military service members and their families, about the importance of getting a flu shot for protection against the flu.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As Veterans Day approaches, CVS/pharmacy is reminding all Americans, including veterans, military service members and their families, about the importance of getting a flu shot for protection against the flu.

In addition, to honor military heroes, CVS/pharmacy will donate $3 to the USO for every flu shot given at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 6 to 12, up to $50,000.

October 31, 2011

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and health commissioner Thomas Farley received their seasonal flu vaccine on Saturday at a Duane Reade pharmacy in the Bronx, demonstrating the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

NEW YORK — New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and health commissioner Thomas Farley received their seasonal flu vaccine on Saturday at a Duane Reade pharmacy in the Bronx, demonstrating the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Every year, New Yorkers lose their lives to the flu, and a flu shot is the single most important protection against getting sick and spreading the flu to others,” Bloomberg said. “I urge everyone to go to their doctor, local health clinic or pharmacy and get a flu shot as soon as they can.”

October 28, 2011

Kmart has announced that it is providing seasonal flu vaccinations at its more than 900 Kmart pharmacies nationwide.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has announced that it is providing seasonal flu vaccinations at its more than 900 Kmart pharmacies nationwide.

In addition, members of Kmart Pharmacy's Prescription Savings Club will pay just $20 for the flu shot. Kmart Pharmacy also offers the high-dose flu shot (indicated for those ages 65 years and older). Many prescription insurance programs cover flu shots, including Medicare Part B and D.

October 26, 2011

Robitussin has launched a new campaign in line with the start of the cold and flu season called the Simple Acts of Relief program.

MADISON, N.J. — Robitussin has launched a new campaign in line with the start of the cold and flu season called the Simple Acts of Relief program.

October 26, 2011

Winn-Dixie has expanded its flu shot options by offering the Fluzone Intradermal vaccination at its in-store pharmacies.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie has expanded its flu shot options by offering the Fluzone Intradermal vaccination at its in-store pharmacies.

October 18, 2011

Consumers may be concerned about picking up germs, but flu shot misconceptions are standing in the way of many consumers doing all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, according to a recent CVS/pharmacy survey.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Consumers may be concerned about picking up germs, but flu shot misconceptions are standing in the way of many consumers doing all they can to protect themselves and their loved ones, according to a recent CVS/pharmacy survey.

"It's always important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoid contact with those who are sick. But the No. 1 thing you can do to prevent the flu is get a flu shot," stated Papatya Tankut, VP pharmacy professional services for CVS/pharmacy.

October 17, 2011

Flu activity in the United States for the 2011-2012 season currently is low, making it an ideal time for Americans to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

WASHINGTON — Flu activity in the United States for the 2011-2012 season currently is low, making it an ideal time for Americans to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

October 17, 2011

Whole Foods is focusing on immune support by offering educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "seasonal wellness shopping list" to customers this fall.

AUSTIN — Whole Foods is focusing on immune support by offering educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "seasonal wellness shopping list" to customers this fall.

Whole Foods said that the promotion, which is being held during the months of October and November, is part of the Be Good to Your Whole Body campaign.

October 14, 2011

There are two crucial points to come out of the Walgreens Flu Impact Report. First is that Walgreens even has a Flu Impact Report. That's reflective of just how fast retail pharmacy is becoming the place to go for a convenient-and-affordable influenza inoculation. Second is the correlation between flu season and holiday travel that includes Thanksgiving and the December season of gift-giving events. Because it doesn't matter where over the hill toward grandmother's house you go, there will be a Walgreens within 3 miles of where you'll be, so your flu shot is covered.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — There are two crucial points to come out of the Walgreens Flu Impact Report. First is that Walgreens even has a Flu Impact Report. That's reflective of just how fast retail pharmacy is becoming the place to go for a convenient-and-affordable influenza inoculation. Second is the correlation between flu season and holiday travel that includes Thanksgiving and the December season of gift-giving events.

October 11, 2011

Along with major paradigm shifts in how people communicate, read and do business, the way they receive healthcare services is changing dramatically, and retail pharmacies are at the front line.


Along with major paradigm shifts in how people communicate, read and do business, the way they receive healthcare services is changing dramatically, and retail pharmacies are at the front line.


October 11, 2011

The typical flu season always coincides with the busiest travel period of the year, and last season that spelled trouble for more than 3 million U.S. vacationers whose trips were interrupted by flu-related illness, according to the Walgreens Flu Impact Report released Tuesday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The typical flu season always coincides with the busiest travel period of the year, and last season that spelled trouble for more than 3 million U.S. vacationers whose trips were interrupted by flu-related illness, according to the "Walgreens Flu Impact Report" released Tuesday.

The findings in part two of the survey examining the effects of influenza on people's everyday lives, released today, showed how the flu affected Americans' vacations, holidays, social engagements, sporting events and more.

October 5, 2011

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius will receive her seasonal flu vaccine and will talk about the importance of prevention measures and flu season preparedness Wednesday morning at a Walgreens "health and daily living" pilot store in Chicago.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius will receive her seasonal flu vaccine and will talk about the importance of prevention measures and flu season preparedness Wednesday morning at a Walgreens "health and daily living" pilot store in Chicago.

The secretary also will tour the store with Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson, who will highlight the store's ability to offer accessible, preventive health services, such as flu vaccinations and diabetes care in underserved communities.

October 5, 2011

Walgreens on Wednesday reported September sales of $6 billion, an increase of 5.4%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday reported September sales of $6 billion, an increase of 5.4%. Sales in comparable stores increased 3.1%. The effect of calendar day shifts negatively impacted total comparable sales by 10 basis points.

September 26, 2011

Publix announced that it once again is offering immunizations against the flu this season.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix announced that it once again is offering immunizations against the flu this season.

This year, however, the company is offering traditional flu shots, a needle-free option. Additionally, some of its pharmacies will offer the intradermal flu vaccine — which is injected into the skin instead of the muscle and uses a much smaller needle than the regular flu shot — and Fluzone High Dose, which is recommended for patients ages 65 years and older.

September 21, 2011

Last year's flu season resulted in 100 million lost work days, as well as $6.8 billion in lost wages, according to a new survey conducted by Walgreens.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Last year's flu season resulted in 100 million lost work days, as well as $6.8 billion in lost wages, according to a new survey conducted by Walgreens.

September 13, 2011

CVS Caremark has partnered with Direct Relief USA to offer up to $6 million in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients who are uninsured, the company announced on Tuesday.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has partnered with Direct Relief USA to offer up to $6 million in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients who are uninsured, the company announced on Tuesday.

More than 400 participating clinics and health centers across the country will identify uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations and provide them with a free flu shot voucher, which is redeemable at more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy locations and the nearly 600 MinuteClinics inside select CVS/pharmacy stores.

September 12, 2011

The blockbuster movie release of "Contagion" this past weekend may drive more people to seek out their flu shot, proposed the director of the New Jersey Center for Public Health Preparedness.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The blockbuster movie release of "Contagion" this past weekend may drive more people to seek out their flu shot, proposed the director of the New Jersey Center for Public Health Preparedness. "Contagion," a movie that mirrors the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, was the No. 1 movie coming out of the weekend with an estimated $23.1 million debut.

September 8, 2011

Fred Meyer customers seeking to be immunized against the flu this fall now have a needle-free option.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Fred Meyer customers seeking to be immunized against the flu this fall now have a needle-free option.

The retailer announced Thursday that stores across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington offer both traditional flu shots and a needle-free option, which is manufactured by Bioject Medical Technologies.