CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic emphasize immunizations during National Influenza Vaccination Week

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are urging more Americans to get their H1N1 flu vaccination this week, which is National Influenza Vaccination Week.

"Many patients who may not have had an opportunity to get an H1N1 vaccine previously because of supply issues or because they were not in a primary risk group are now coming in to be vaccinated," stated Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., chief medical officer for CVS Caremark. "And the more people who get vaccinated, the less likely it is that the flu will spread in the coming months."

National Influenza Vaccination Week runs from Jan. 10 to 16, as designated by the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In support of this effort, CVS/pharmacy is expanding H1N1 vaccine availability to Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. H1N1 flu vaccine is now available in 34 states and Washington, D.C., at either CVS/pharmacy or at MinuteClinic.

CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are using television, radio and online advertising as well as in-store marketing to educate consumers about vaccine availability and the importance of getting vaccinated. Many states have lifted priority group restrictions, allowing all patients to be eligible to receive the show while supplies last.