Take Care clinics offer flu shots for CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Week

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. Take Care Health Systems is set to bring awareness to local communities by offering flu shots in honor of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Influenza Vaccination Week from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2.

Dubbed one of the largest convenient retail clinic managers in the United States, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens, Take Care is stocked with the immunization, and will offer flu shots every day of the week at all of its 102 locations. The flu shot costs $24.99 and is covered by most insurance providers.

According to the CDC, each year an average of 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu complications and 36,000 die from it.

Additionally, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the influenza vaccine be offered throughout the entire flu season, even after it has appeared or begun appearing in a community. It takes two weeks after the vaccination for the body to be fully prepared to protect against the flu.

“Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu and is best performed early in the season, which can last as late as May,” said Sandra Ryan, chief nurse practitioner officer for Take Care Health Systems. “Take Care Health Clinics, which are open seven days a week with no appointments and accept most major insurance plans, offer an accessible, convenient and affordable way for individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu this year.”

Though Take Care Health Clinics are dedicated to immunizing local communities from the flu, the professionals at the retail clinics also treat patients 18 months and older for common illnesses, offer diagnostic screenings and write prescriptions.

Take Care Health Systems manages 102 locations in 11 states, including Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati and Houston.