CVS Health, Direct Relief to donate $1M in flu shot vouchers to uninsured
WOONSOCKET, R.I. and SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — CVS Health and Direct Relief have teamed up to provide $1 million in flu shot vouchers to community health clinic patients in underserved communities who lack health insurance.
Nearly 100 participating clinics will identify uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations and provide them with a flu shot voucher that is redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location.
"Cost should not be a barrier to receiving important preventive health care such as a flu vaccination. While most insurance plans fully cover the cost of a flu shot, our partnership with Direct Relief will help ensure that thousands of uninsured patients will have access to a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic at no cost to them," stated Papatya Tankut, VP of pharmacy affairs at CVS Health.
Direct Relief's network is comprised of more than 1,200 community health centers and clinics nationwide.
"While flu shots offer the best protection against influenza viruses, too many families with low incomes and without insurance are unable to afford the vaccination," said Damon Taugher, director of U.S. programs at Direct Relief. "Direct Relief is delighted to work with CVS Health to help protect thousands of people who are in tough financial situations access a flu shot at no cost to them this season."
Community health clinics that received flu shot vouchers are located in the following metropolitan areas:
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Detroit
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York City
• Newark, N.J.
• Orlando, Fla.
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Tampa, Fla.
• Trenton, N.J.
A list of select participating locations at which flu shot vouchers are now available for uninsured patients of the health clinics may be found at cvshealth.com/flu-shot-vouchers-participating-clinics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu shot.