CVS to Offer Free Seasonal Flu Shots to Unemployed
Posted on August 31, 2009
CVS announced in late August 2009 that it will provide 100,000 free seasonal flu shots to the unemployed this fall. The CVS press release cited information that the unemployed and people seeking employment are the least likely to get a flu shot with just 34% get a flu shot in 2008.Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for CVS Caremark said in the announcement, "CVS Caremark wants to ensure cost and access are not barriers to getting a flu shot this year for one of the most vulnerable populations, the unemployed. Our commitment to offer 100,000 free flu shots is part of our broader efforts to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu which can lead to more serious and costly health problems."
CVS also says it will offer the flu shot at many locations this year.
Beginning September 1st, seasonal flu shots will be available daily, without an appointment, at more than 500 MinuteClinic locations. And starting September 15th, more than 9,000 flu shot clinic events will be held in select CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. Vaccinations are covered by most insurance plans. Consumers can call 1-888-FLU-SHOT or go to www.cvs.com to find a list of vaccination locations.
We are all for this. The more people that get seasonal flu shots the better. It can help reduce the number of people who are spreading the flu virus.
Update: Walgreens is also offering some free flu shots to unemployed and uninsured people according to Bloomberg .