Walgreens leverages its points of care to offer immunizations
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has announced that it is now offering immunizations daily at all of its more than 7,700 stores nationwide, including all Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and more than 350 Take Care Clinics.
Flu shots are available daily with no appointment necessary during all pharmacy and clinic hours. New this season, patients who desire a flu shot appointment at any Walgreens may schedule one online at Walgreens.com.
“Our customers value the access we provide, as well as the trusted relationship they have with our pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, more than 27,000 of whom are clinically experienced in providing flu shots and other immunizations,” stated Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness. “A Walgreens flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you, and to stay well during what is always an unpredictable flu season.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months and recommends vaccination every season in order to be fully protected against influenza.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also recommends pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccination for people who are at high-risk for flu, including children, seniors and individuals with certain health conditions.
Most Walgreens offer pneumococcal vaccinations daily, with pharmacists at select locations trained to administer all of the more than 20 CDC-recommended immunizations. Shingles vaccine, which has been widely reported to be in short supply from some healthcare providers, also is available at these select locations and more than 3,000 Walgreens nationwide. Both are also available at all Take Care Clinics.
With more than 30 states now recommending that children entering grades 7 to 12 receive an immunization that protects against pertussis (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-Tdap vaccine), or whooping cough, prior to the start of the school year, Walgreens is offering immunizations daily at all of its stores in nearly half of the impacted states. Pertussis/Tdap immunizations also are available at all Take Care Clinics, as well as select Walgreens locations in 42 states.