CVS Caremark, MinuteClinic working overtime to disseminate flu shots

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS Caremark is working toward its previously announced goal of delivering one million flu vaccinations this year and as part of that effort has kicked off an advertising campaign to inform consumers about CVS Caremark’s integrated flu vaccination offerings, not to mention drive awareness of the MinuteClinic model.

The “Flu Shots Made Simple” campaign began in September and will run through Dec. 31. It is a multi-faceted campaign that includes in-store signage and store radio spots, a national television campaign promoting joint CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic flu shot services, a MinuteClinic-dedicated TV campaign in select markets, newspaper ads in select markets, direct mail to target consumers and public relation efforts.

The goal: To inform consumers about CVS Caremark’s integrated flu vaccination offering which includes MinuteClinic locations, pharmacist-administered shots and scheduled flu shot clinics within select CVS/pharmacy locations.

“Flu shots have always been a key service of CVS and MinuteClinic. We had the opportunity this year to align MinuteClinic’s flu shot capabilities with other flu vaccination services offered at CVS/pharmacy. It is a natural point of integrated services within CVS Caremark,” said Melissa Studzinski, director of marketing for MinuteClinic.

While the campaign runs through Dec. 31, flu shots will continue to be available at all 559 MinuteClinic locations on demand throughout the flu season, which could run as late as March or April.

As part of the campaign, the company has created a flu shot voucher program for Caremark clients whereby participating members are eligible to receive a flu shot at MinuteClinic with no out-of-pocket cost to them, noted Studzinski.