Walgreens Debuts Flu Shot Gift Cards

SN STAFF

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens, which claims it is the largest retail provider of flu prevention services, began selling flu shot gift cards Tuesday. The gift cards are available at all of the more than 7,500 Walgreens stores nationwide and will soon be available through Walgreens.com.

The cards cost $29.99 and are good for one flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy or Take Care Clinic nationwide, once locations receive the flu vaccine and while supplies last. Customers purchasing a gift card for someone under 18 years of age should inquire with their local Walgreens about any possible age restrictions.

Take Care Clinics, located at more than 350 Walgreens drugstores, can administer flu shots and other immunizations to anyone over age 2.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one flu shot will be required this season for protection against both H1N1 and seasonal flu. Each year, flu vaccine is manufactured to protect against the three viruses or flu strains that research suggests will be most common. The 2010-2011 vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, an influenza A H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus.