Walgreens partners with Department of Veterans Affairs to drive immunizations

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve care coordination and integrate immunization records for more than 8.5 million VA-enrolled patients. Through its 8,200 locations nationwide, Walgreens pharmacists can provide veterans with greater access to flu and other CDC-recommended vaccinations. Walgreens pharmacists also will leverage the eHealth exchange through Walgreens electronic health record platform to securely share immunization records with the VA and help ensure complete patient medical records.

 

“Walgreens is committed to supporting our veterans, and we are proud to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide convenient access to vaccines,” said Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO. “This is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help VA educate veterans about the importance of vaccinations, to improve immunization rates through greater access and to contribute to helping veterans get, stay and live well.”

 

“VA is proud to partner with Walgreens to provide needed vaccines to our nation’s veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “This partnership is a great example of how government and the private sector can work together to effectively and efficiently provide veterans the care and benefits that they've earned.”

 

As part of this launch and under the agreement, VA funding can provide approximately 75,000 flu shots for enrolled veterans.