DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co., which claims it is the largest retail provider of flu prevention services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are targeting those without adequate health insurance for flu prevention in 2011.
Walgreens said on Friday it will provide more than $10 million worth of vouchers for free flu shots, which HHS will help distribute to up to 350,000 eligible, uninsured and underserved people in 15 U.S. markets.
Vouchers are good for one flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy, Duane Reade pharmacy in New York or Take Care Clinic.
Vouchers will also soon be distributed and available through local health agencies in select cities. Local public health officials and their community partners in these cities, in conjunction with the HHS Regional Health Administrators (RHAs), will distribute the vouchers through a variety of community outreach efforts.
The vouchers will be available on a first come, first- served basis while supplies last. State, age and other restrictions may apply.
Information regarding flu shot voucher distribution is available at www.flu.gov.
“We’re proud to partner with HHS to protect as many people as possible during this flu season, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to flu vaccine,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy services, in a press statement. “The flu season traditionally peaks in January and February 70% of the time, so this is an important time for prevention. Through this donation, we hope to achieve higher immunization rates among underserved populations, which can lead to a lower incidence of flu.”
