CVS Health survey finds more than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

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Sep 06, 2023, 08:00 ET

CVS Pharmacy^® and MinuteClinic^® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

Schedule ahead available for flu and RSV vaccinations, allowing patients to plan ahead and secure a convenient appointment

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health^® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy^® and MinuteClinic^® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. In addition, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are preparing to offer a new CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccine once approved and available. To help patients plan ahead, appointments can be scheduled in advance using the digital scheduler at CVS.com or in the CVS Pharmacy app. MinuteClinic is offering the flu vaccinations and routine wellness visits with appointments available at MinuteClinic.com.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9196451-cvs-health-minuteclinic-flu-and-rsv-vaccinations/

"Receiving vaccinations for common illnesses like flu and RSV is a cornerstone of preventive care, and helps patients protect not only themselves, but also the health of their broader community," said Sree Chaguturu, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. "Access is key, and with our national footprint of pharmacies and retail medical clinics, we're making it easier than ever to get vaccinated in a timely, safe and convenient way."

According to a survey of U.S. consumers commissioned by CVS Health*, timing, convenience and scheduling were cited as important factors when choosing when and where to get a flu vaccine. Other findings include:

75% of people who plan to receive their flu shot, plan to do so before November
Seniors are the demographic most likely to get vaccinated (74%); but 2/3 of those over age 18 expect to get a shot
42% of patients are likely to visit a retail pharmacy for their flu shot, followed by a doctor's office (33%)
78% of patients said convenient hours that work with their schedule was an important factor when choosing a pharmacy for their flu shot
Of those planning to get a flu shot, 62% plan to schedule their appointment online, up 43% over the last two years

Digital scheduling at CVS.com and in the CVS Pharmacy app offers the flexibility to schedule multiple patients at once, allowing families, caregivers and other groups to get vaccinated together. Patients can also schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment, such as flu and RSV, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, patients can choose to walk into their local CVS Pharmacy and request a vaccination, seven days a week, including during evening and weekend hours. MinuteClinic flu vaccination and sick symptom visits (during which patients can get tested for flu, COVID-19, strep throat, etc.) are available by appointment at MinuteClinic.com.

"Pharmacists are trusted community health providers, thanks to their frequent and meaningful interactions with patients," said Prem Shah, Executive Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, CVS Health, Co-President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness. "As a result of their long-standing relationships with patients, our pharmacy teams can help identify vaccination gaps and recommend other care interventions on the spot, ensuring that patients always have access to advice and support."

In addition to flu and RSV, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15 of the most common recommended vaccinations, including shingles, pneumonia (pneumococcal), hepatitis B and more. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS Pharmacy will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store purchases.*

According to the CDC, patients should get their flu vaccination early in the fall, before flu season begins, and ideally no later than the end of October. CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer multiple flu vaccine options, including the adjuvanted and higher dose vaccine which is recommended by the CDC for seniors. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at no cost for all patients, and flu vaccines are available at no cost with most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.

Video and photo assets from CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available here.

About CVS Health
CVS Health^® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that's managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media contacts
Matt Blanchette
401-524-6185
[email protected]

Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
[email protected]

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*"Flu Intention" Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in July 2023
* FOR $5 OFF $20 COUPON: Redeemable in store at CVS Pharmacy^® and Longs Drugs^® locations only for one-time use only between 8/14/23-12/31/23. Coupon received via email after vaccination. Limit one per customer per eligible vaccine visit. $5 savings applied to total qualifying purchase of at least $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Reward cannot be issued in AR, NJ, NY, at Target or Schnucks locations, or at MinuteClinic^® locations in AR, MA, NJ, NY, PA and RI. Coupon is void if copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. Internet printed or counterfeit coupons prohibited. Original must be relinquished with purchase. ExtraCare^® card required to receive savings. Coupon cannot be combined with any other CVS Pharmacy coupon, Coupon excludes alcohol, lottery, money orders, prescriptions and copays, pseudoephedrine/ephedrine products, postage stamps, prepaid cards, gift cards, newspapers and magazines, milk (where required by law or regulation), sale/promotional merchandise, bottle deposits, bus passes, hunting and fishing licenses and any imposed governmental fees or items reimbursed by a government health plan. Tax charged on precoupon price where required. No cash back. Retailer's coupon. Bearer assumes all sales/use tax liability. CVS reserves the right to modify this offer.

SOURCE CVS Health