WALGREENS

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas, region is the top demographic market area for influenza activity, followed by Lafayette, La., and Puerto Rico, according to the Walgreens Flu Index for the week of Dec. 25.

On a flu activity gains basis, the same southern Texas region also ranks No. 1, followed by Lincoln and Hastings-Kearney, Neb., and Jackson, Miss., for the week of Dec. 25.

The top states for flu activity gains are Montana, Utah, Nebraska and Oklahoma, respectively.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will rule on the Walgreens Boots Alliance-Rite Aid merger before the Trump Administration takes office on Jan. 20, according to the New York Post. The newspaper added approval of the transaction is “not guaranteed.”

“It is most likely [FTC] Chairwoman Edith Ramirez addresses it before she leaves,” a source close to the situation told the news outlet, and not leave it to a Republican-led FTC.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The latest Walgreens Flu Index shows that Puerto Rico and parts of Louisana are the top spots for flu activity so far this season.

The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report that provides state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranking of those experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country.

The Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology, the data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is launching its safe medication disposal kiosk program in New Jersey with the installation of drug take-back kiosks at 16 Walgreens drugstores.

The launch is part of Walgreens effort, announced earlier this year, to install safe medication disposal kiosks at more than 500 of its drugstores around the country. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie visited an East Brunswick store to kick off the drug take-back program in New Jersey.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has expanded the availability of prescription-free naloxone to 33 states and the District of Columbia.

The medication can be dispensed in accordance with each state’s pharmacy regulations at nearly 5,800 Walgreens pharmacies. Naloxone can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs, and is administered by injection or nasal spray.

DEERFIELD, Ill. & CAMP HILL, Pa. — Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid have entered into an agreement to sell 865 Rite Aid stores and certain assets related to store operations to Fred’s for $950 million.

The transaction is subject to Federal Trade Commission approval, the approval and completion of the pending acquisition of Rite Aid by Walgreens Boots Alliance, and other customary closing conditions.

DEERFIELD, Ill.  — Just in time for the holidays, Walgreens is bringing another beauty brand to American shoppers from across the pond. Beauty Beneath, a division of Boots and the U.K.’s No. 1 beauty brand is making its U.S. debut.

Celebrity esthetician, Shani Darden, will act as a brand ambassador for Beauty Beneath through PR and social media platforms.

DEERFIELD, Ill.  — Walgreens on Thursday launched its first Flu Index for the 2016-17 season, a weekly report that ranks the top markets and states for flu activity in the U.S. It's the third year for Walgreens' Flu Index, and this year will include Puerto Rico for the first time.