Walgreens launches annual flu index
Walgreens has launched the 2024-2025 Walgreens Flu Index, an online, interactive tool that tracks weekly flu activity based on flu-related prescription data across the company’s community pharmacy locations nationwide.
For 11 years, the Walgreens Flu Index has provided an early and accurate view of disease trends. Historical data from the Walgreens Flu Index shows that southern states tend to see earlier and steeper peaks in flu activity when compared to the rest of the country.
“We continue to monitor the emergence of respiratory illnesses, and the Flu Index has been a reliable view of disease spread,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer. “Our goal is to protect communities from flu, as well as other seasonal viruses like COVID-19 and RSV.”
[Read more: CVS Health survey: More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season]
Even though early data shows lower initial activity, a seasonal spike is predicted to be around the corner. This is a great time for people to be thinking about protecting themselves before respiratory illnesses emerge and ahead of the holiday season, when we have historically seen illness spike.
Walgreens noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine. During the 2023–2024 season, respiratory illness activity began to increase in early November and peaked in late December, though flu remained at elevated levels in the U.S. through February. The United States also saw surges of COVID-19 and RSV during this time.
“Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines remain the number one way to protect against respiratory viruses this fall and winter and can help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick,” Gates said. “In fact, data from the CDC shows that last season, the annual flu shot reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalization and doctor visits by as much as 40%. Now is the time to get your annual flu shot, and other recommended vaccines, to develop immunity and increase your protection before you travel or gather this holiday season with loved ones who might be at a higher risk of developing severe complications.”
Walgreens is offering flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia (pneumococcal) and other routine vaccinations appointments as well as walk-ins nationwide. To schedule a vaccination appointment, use the Walgreens app, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS. Patients are able to schedule multiple immunizations during the same visit, Walgreens said.
Walgreens offers flexible openings, including nights and weekends and walk-ins are welcome. Vaccines are covered by most insurance plans. Additionally, Walgreens is currently offering patients 20% off your next purchase of $20 or more as a myWalgreens member when you get any vaccine.
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Individuals who are experiencing a runny nose, cough or other respiratory symptoms should consider getting tested to know with greater confidence which virus they may have and be able to quickly take the necessary steps toward recovery. Walgreens offers a variety of convenient, low-cost options for flu and COVID-19 testing, including an easy combination test for COVID-19 and influenza A/B with results in 30 minutes or less. At-home tests, along with over-the-counter medicine cabinet essentials, are available for delivery in as little as 1 hour.