CVS/Pharmacy to Hold Flu Clinics in 3,000-Plus Stores

WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy will offer flu and pneumonia vaccinations in more than 3,000 of its locations, including many of the Eckerd drug stores it acquired in Texas, Florida and other southern states.  The clinics will begin on Wednesday,

Sept. 29 and last through the end of November.  For dates, times and specific locations, customers should call 1-800-SHOP-CVS and choose option #1, or visit http://www.CVS.com to find a CVS flu clinic in their area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for people at high risk for complications from influenza, adults ages 50 and older, those with respiratory or chronic diseases that lower the body's immune system, those with pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders, and those receiving

chemotherapy or radiation therapy.  The flu vaccine is also recommended for women who will be pregnant during influenza season.

The CDC does not recommend flu vaccinations for people who have a severe

allergy (anaphylactic hypersensitivity) to chicken eggs, people who have had a

severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, and children under 6

months old.

"Our annual flu clinics are part of our role as a healthcare provider to

help our customers stay healthy," said Jon Roberts, RPh., senior vice

president of store operations at CVS/pharmacy.  "It takes a couple of weeks

for the vaccination to become effective, so we encourage people to stop by

their local CVS/pharmacy during a scheduled clinic to get their shot before

the flu season peaks."

"We are also pleased to be able to offer, for the first time, flu

vaccinations in several new markets we recently entered through our

acquisition of Eckerd," added Roberts.

The cost of a flu shot at CVS will range from $20 to $25, depending on the

location of the clinic.  Customers who present their CVS ExtraCare card will

receive a discount on the cost of their vaccination.  Vaccines for Medicare B

patients who present their Medicare Card will be available at no charge,

provided they have not assigned their Medicare benefits to an HMO.

Source: CVS/pharmacy