Walgreens partners with HHS on dispensing free flu shot vouchers for the uninsured

DEERFIELD, Ill. — For the fifth consecutive year, Walgreens is offering more than $10 million worth of flu shot vouchers free to those without health insurance coverage and unable to afford a flu shot without the voucher, the chain announced Friday. The United States Department of Health and Human Services is again assisting in the voucher distribution effort to help improve flu immunization rates across the country.

 

Each voucher is good for one flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy in the United States and Puerto Rico, Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens, and are subject to the terms and conditions on the voucher.

 

“Our ongoing collaboration with HHS has enabled Walgreens to provide free access to flu vaccine to people in need while improving immunization rates in underserved communities across the U.S.,” stated Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president, pharmacy health and wellness. “This program is one of the ways in which we’re responding to the needs of the communities we serve, and also helping to address the access challenges of our health care system. Following another severe flu season, we aim to help more people get, stay and live well throughout the season with the help of the voucher program.”

 

“Since 2010, more than half a million individuals have received free flu shots and vouchers through this innovative partnership,” commented Nadine Gracia, deputy assistant secretary for minority health and director of the HHS Office of Minority Health. “In the face of persistent disparities in influenza vaccination coverage – especially among adults – this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding access to important preventive services for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”