New York offers flu shot vouchers at Walgreens, Duane Reade
The Health Department in New York City on Monday collaborated with Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies on an offer of 1,000 vouchers for flu shots at specific pharmacy locations located in areas with high rates of people without health insurance and low flu vaccination rates. The initiative was made possible by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships.
“Our surveillance has shown that influenza activity remains elevated throughout the city, and expanding access to this potentially life-saving vaccine is one more step we can take to ensure New Yorkers remain healthy,” New York City Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said. “I thank our partners at Walgreens for working with us on this vital issue. The flu shot remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your neighbors from the influenza virus. Flu season is not over, and I urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
“We’re proud to be working with the New York City Department of Health on this initiative,” said Tony Riso, regional healthcare director, Walgreens. “By providing access to flu shots at no cost for those who are eligible, we can help protect the health and wellbeing of our community members and prevent the further spread of influenza this season.”
As the city and the country continue to see elevated influenza activity, the Health Department is reminding all New Yorkers to get their annual flu shot so they are protected against the influenza virus and its severe symptoms and complications. A flu shot, administered even after influenza season has arrived, can still provide protection and mitigate the symptoms and complications should one contract the virus.
The flu vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, and will allow uninsured and underinsured individuals to receive the flu vaccine at no cost. The vaccine is subject to availability, and age, state and health related restrictions may apply. The vouchers are available for New Yorkers 7 years of age and older who do not have health insurance. This voucher is being offered at 11 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in the five boroughs.
Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the vaccine can prevent about 59% of influenza cases in young children (ages six months to eight years), and overall, it can prevent about one-third of cases.
“Our surveillance has shown that influenza activity remains elevated throughout the city, and expanding access to this potentially life-saving vaccine is one more step we can take to ensure New Yorkers remain healthy,” New York City Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said. “I thank our partners at Walgreens for working with us on this vital issue. The flu shot remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your neighbors from the influenza virus. Flu season is not over, and I urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
“We’re proud to be working with the New York City Department of Health on this initiative,” said Tony Riso, regional healthcare director, Walgreens. “By providing access to flu shots at no cost for those who are eligible, we can help protect the health and wellbeing of our community members and prevent the further spread of influenza this season.”
As the city and the country continue to see elevated influenza activity, the Health Department is reminding all New Yorkers to get their annual flu shot so they are protected against the influenza virus and its severe symptoms and complications. A flu shot, administered even after influenza season has arrived, can still provide protection and mitigate the symptoms and complications should one contract the virus.
The flu vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, and will allow uninsured and underinsured individuals to receive the flu vaccine at no cost. The vaccine is subject to availability, and age, state and health related restrictions may apply. The vouchers are available for New Yorkers 7 years of age and older who do not have health insurance. This voucher is being offered at 11 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in the five boroughs.
Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the vaccine can prevent about 59% of influenza cases in young children (ages six months to eight years), and overall, it can prevent about one-third of cases.