HHS, Walgreens commit $10 million in free flu shots to uninsured

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with Walgreens, will help provide more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers this flu season to improve flu immunization rates among uninsured Americans, Walgreens announced Thursday. Through the initiative, which is in its seventh year, Walgreens has provided more than $50 million worth of vouchers to communities across the country.



HHS and Walgreens are distributing vouchers through a variety of outreach efforts, local events and community and faith-based organizations nationwide.



“Since 2010, this partnership has helped us make substantial strides in addressing disparities in flu vaccination coverage by providing free flu shots for more than 1.4 million people,” stated Nadine Gracia, deputy assistant secretary for minority health and director of the HHS Office of Minority Health. “As the flu season approaches, our continued collaboration will help protect hundreds of thousands of people from influenza, which can make chronic health problems worse or lead to hospitalization or even death.”



“We’re proud to continue to grow our collaboration with HHS and to be working together to meet the health care needs of the communities we serve," added Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. "We know that cost can be a barrier for some people when it comes to vaccinations and other preventive care. And by providing access to flu shots at no cost for those who are eligible, we can make a significant impact by protecting more people throughout the flu season.”