Walgreens combats H1N1 in Salt Lake City with vaccine rollout

DEERFIELD, Ill. Walgreens is gearing up to offer H1N1 vaccines to Salt Lake City area residents, the drug store chain announced Wednesday.

Walgreens said it will administer vaccinations at 18 pharmacy locations in Salt Lake County beginning Nov. 5. Walgreens is working closely with public  health officials and the Salt Lake Valley Health Department to serve as a distribution partner for the H1N1 vaccine, and to also serve as a community resource for information on H1N1 immunization.

Vaccinations are available to Salt Lake County residents who fall within the priority groups as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These priority groups are: 

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• People six months to 24 years of age
• Persons ages 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

Vaccinations will be offered to priority groups between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Walgreens pharmacists in Utah are able to provide immunizations to those ages 13 years and older.

Walgreens also may offer H1N1 vaccinations at other Salt Lake City area stores as additional supply becomes available, the company said.

"This flu season, Walgreens has truly demonstrated its role as a go-to, trusted resource for flu prevention and healthcare services in Utah and nationwide," said Walgreens Utah market VP Rob Hasty. "We're here to help. And we?re proud to partner with the Salt Lake Valley Health Department by providing convenient, affordable access to H1N1 vaccinations, furthering our commitment to helping individuals and their  families stay well this flu season."

The cost for the administration of the H1N1 injectable vaccine is $18. Vaccinations may be covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Consumers are encouraged to check with their insurance provider for coverage details.