With flu shot offerings in Louisiana, Walgreens now immunizing in 28 states
DEERFIELD, Ill. Walgreens announced on Tuesday that it has expanded its H1N1 prevention program to Louisiana by offering vaccinations at more than 50 pharmacies in 31 parishes throughout the state.
In addition, the chain has begun the H1N1 immunization program at all five of its in-store Take Care clinics in the greater New Orleans area. Walgreens and Take Care are working closely with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to serve as a distribution partner for the H1N1 vaccine and a community resource for information on H1N1 immunization, the company revealed.
“We are now administering H1N1 vaccine in 28 U.S. states,” said Walgreens spokesman Jim Cohn.
As supplies become available, the chain will expand its vaccination program in Louisiana, according to Cohn. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis in participating Walgreens pharmacies and Take Care clinics when an immunizing pharmacist or nurse practitioner is on staff or by appointment, for a fee of $18. Each location with an H1N1 supply will also conduct a weekly vaccination clinic.
Walgreens pharmacists in Louisiana are able to provide immunizations to those ages 9 years and older, the company said. Nurse practitioners at the company’s Take Care clinics can immunize patients ages 2 years and older.
H1N1 vaccinations are available to residents who fall within the priority groups as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those groups include pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; Health care and emergency medical service workers; people six months to 24 years of age; and people ages 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
Kim Treece, Louisiana market VP for Walgreens, said the company’s efforts “truly demonstrated its role as a go-to, trusted resource for flu prevention and healthcare services throughout Louisiana and nationwide.”
The company’s reach is testament to Treece’s claim. Walgreens now fields more than 17,000 certified or licensed immunizers, including pharmacists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and the chain asserts it offers “the most comprehensive retail flu prevention network in the U.S., serving more than 7,000 Walgreens pharmacies and more than 350 Take Care Clinics.”