CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic promoting importance of flu shots

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are reminding families during National Influenza Vaccination Week about the importance of receiving their flu vaccinations, and are partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the NFL Retired Players Association to increase awareness about the benefits of annual flu vaccination.



This year's National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 2 to 8. It was established by the CDC to annually highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination during and after the holiday season into January and beyond.



CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic began providing flu shots at the end of August and all of its pharmacy and walk-in medical clinic locations continue to offer vaccinations every day with no appointment needed.



"National Influenza Vaccination Week is an ideal time to remind those who have not received their flu shot yet that a vaccination is the best way to prevent getting sick with the flu and that there is still time to get vaccinated if they have not already done so," stated Papatya Tankut, VP pharmacy affairs at CVS/pharmacy. "CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are available every day at all of our locations to help patients on their path to better health with a flu vaccination."



The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza disease. Yearly vaccination is needed because flu viruses are always changing so a new vaccine is produced each year to protect against the currently circulating influenza viruses. Also, immunity received from the influenza vaccination declines over time so an annual flu shot provides optimal protection.



The NFL Retired Players Association is supporting this partnership by promoting awareness during National Influenza Vaccination Week and by having legacy and Hall of Fame players reach out to communities and fans nationally. 



Former Minnesota Viking and Pro Football Hall of Famer Carl Eller received his flu shot at a CVS/pharmacy in Minneapolis to demonstrate the importance of getting protected during flu season. Eller is the president and founder of the NFL Retired Players Association.



CVS/pharmacy will also promote flu vaccine awareness during National Influenza Vaccination Week on its Facebook and Twitter social media channels.



This flu season, customers will receive a 20% Off CVS/pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS or MinuteClinic. The Shopping Pass can be used with CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare card to save 20% off nonpharmacy purchases up to $100.