CVS/pharmacy launches promotion to promote flu shots
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In recognition of this year's National Influenza Vaccination Week, which runs Dec. 8 to 14, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are reminding families that it is not too late to get a flu shot, and are offering a 20% off CVS/pharmacy Shopping Pass to those who get their flu shot at either CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic this holiday season.
"As people plan their family gatherings during this busy holiday season, we want them to remember that a flu shot will provide them and their loved ones the best protection available from getting sick with the flu," stated Papatya Tankut, VP pharmacy affairs at CVS/pharmacy. "While flu season is unpredictable, it typically peaks in January or later. In fact, last season's national flu outbreak occurred right after the holidays so this an ideal time to get vaccinated if you haven't received your flu shot yet."
More than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores and more than 750 MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS locations provide flu shots every day, including evenings and weekends, no appointment necessary.
Customers will receive a 20% Off CVS/pharmacy Shopping Pass this holiday season when they get a flu shot at CVS or MinuteClinic. The Shopping Pass can be used with CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare card to save 20% off non-pharmacy purchases up to $100.
Members of CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program will receive $5 in ExtraBucks Rewards when they get a flu shot at a CVS/pharmacy by Dec. 31, 2013.
Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot. 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.
In addition to flu shots, CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are available to provide a number of other vaccinations, including pneumonia and whooping cough.
National Influenza Vaccination Week was established by the Centers for Disease Control to annually highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone ages 6 months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza. A yearly flu shot is recommended because a new formulation of the vaccine is produced every year to protect against the currently circulating influenza viruses. Also, immunity provided by the vaccine declines over time.