CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic Give Consumers Five Reasons To Get a Flu Shot

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic announced today that flu vaccinations are now available at all of their locations nationwide.

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"Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step you can take to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with influenza," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. "Flu season can be unpredictable and, because it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated to develop full protection, a flu shot is recommended as soon as vaccine is available."

The 2012 seasonal flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 influenza strain as well as two new strains: H3N2 and a B strain.

Here are the "Top 5" reasons you should get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic this season.

1. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic have 20,000 pharmacists and nurse practitioners ready to help people on their path to better health with a flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months old get a flu vaccine every year to protect against catching the flu. More than 20,000 immunizing health care professionals at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available to provide this important preventive health care service.

"Influenza causes between 3,600 to 49,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. Receiving a flu shot can reduce the chance of becoming infected by up to 70%," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services, CVS/pharmacy.

2. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are two of the most convenient places to get a flu shot.

More than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy stores and nearly 600 MinuteClinic sites inside select CVS/pharmacy locations are providing flu shots every day including evening and weekends, no appointment needed.

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CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic Give Consumers Five Reasons To Get a Flu Shot