WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the
start of flu vaccine availability, a new survey from CVS Health
(NYSE: CVS) released today found that nearly two-thirds (61
percent) of Americans get a flu vaccine every year, or plan to get
one this year, resulting in a two percent increase from last year's
survey findings. Of those who get a flu vaccine every year and plan
to get one this year, 67 percent do so because they believe it's
the best way to prevent themselves from getting the flu. All CVS
Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide are now offering flu
vaccinations.
The annual flu survey, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf
of CVS Pharmacy in July 2017[1] among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages
18+, also found that nearly two in three (65 percent) employed
Americans would still go to work even if they were feeling ill with
flu-like symptoms.
Among those who have ever received a flu vaccine, 44 percent say
they most often get the vaccine from their primary care provider or
other health care professional, while 22 percent most often get it
from a local pharmacy or drugstore. However, there has been a
significant increase (up 7 percent from last year) in employed flu
vaccine receivers who get the vaccine most often at their
workplace, now tied with local pharmacy or drugstore at 22
percent.
"We recognize that staying on top of your health can sometimes
be daunting, especially for busy families, and flu vaccinations are
no exception to this," said Papatya Tankut, Vice President of
Pharmacy Affairs at CVS Health. "This year's survey demonstrates
the increasing number of factors that go into deciding where, when,
and how to get vaccinated, which is why CVS Pharmacy continues to
strive to make health care quick, easy and accessible for
patients."
Flu vaccinations are conveniently available seven days a week at
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide with no
appointment needed.[2] CVS Pharmacy can provide flu shots to
adolescents (in some states, depending on regulations), adults and
seniors. MinuteClinic can provide flu shots to children 18 months
and up, adolescents, adults and seniors, making it easy to
vaccinate the whole family in one trip.[3] In addition, customers
will receive a $5 off $25 coupon when they get a flu shot at CVS
Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.[4] Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS
Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside select Target stores will
receive a $5 Target coupon.[5]
Although 52 percent of Americans protect themselves from
catching the flu by getting the flu vaccine, there has been a
significant increase in the percentage of Americans who also
incorporate other prevention methods into their lifestyles to help
stop the spread of germs and stay healthy. For example, 41 percent
of Americans regularly use hand sanitizer to stop the spreading of
germs (up 3% from last year). Americans are also reporting
protecting themselves from the flu by drinking more water (55%, up
4% from last year), taking vitamins (50%, up 4% from last year),
eating more nutritious food (44%, up 2% from last year), and
staying physically active (43%, up 4% from last year).
Other notable findings from the survey include:
- Women are 12 percent more likely than men to get their flu
vaccine from their primary care physician or other health care
professional's office
- 76 percent of seniors (age 65 and up) get the flu vaccine every
year and/or plan on getting the flu shot this year
- For Americans who have ever gotten a flu shot, fall months are
still the most popular time to get the vaccine, with October being
the most popular month (36 percent)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that everyone who is eligible and at least six months old get a flu
shot when the vaccine becomes available, preferably by October.
"People may not realize that it can actually take up to two
weeks for the flu vaccine to build immunity," said Angela Patterson, Chief Nurse Practitioner
Officer at MinuteClinic. "For this reason, CVS Pharmacy actually
recommends that patients get their flu shot as soon as the vaccine
becomes available to ensure you have the best protection before flu
season peaks. Additionally, influenza strains tend to change each
year, so it's very important to get vaccinated every year to make
sure you are protected."
The flu vaccine is a preventive service under the Affordable
Care Act, fully covered and available at no cost through most
insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. CVS Pharmacy and
MinuteClinic can directly bill many national and regional health
plans that cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot.
Please visit CVS.com and/or MinuteClinic.com for more
information and additional resources. Consumers can also visit
CVS.com or use the CVS Pharmacy app to locate a nearby CVS
Pharmacy. Patients planning to go to MinuteClinic to get their flu
shot can visit MinuteClinic.com to view wait times or schedule a
visit online for a future date at their chosen clinic.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States between July 12-14, 2017 among 2,074 adults aged 18+ by
Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy. This online survey is not
based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of
theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation
company helping people on their path to better health. Through its
nearly 9,700 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical
clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million
plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving
more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty
pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and
communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways.
This unique integrated model increases access to quality care,
delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care
costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the
future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Lanctot
alanctot@cvs.com
401.770.2931
[1] Survey was conducted in the United
States by Harris Poll on July 12-14,
2017, among 2,074 adults ages 18 and older.
[2] Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist,
MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant is on duty,
while supplies last. Age restrictions apply.
[3] Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age
restrictions apply.
[4] Offer is not valid in the state of AR, HI, NY and NJ.
$5 of $25 CVS Pharmacy coupon is not available at
MinuteClinic locations in MA, PA and RI. Normal ExtraCare purchase
restrictions apply for $5 of
$25 CVS Pharmacy coupon.
[5] Terms and conditions are applied to coupon. See coupon for
details. Coupon valid for Target merchandise only. Offer
available only at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations in Target
from 8/14/17 through 3/31/18. Limit
one per customer. $5 Target coupon
cannot be issued in AR, HI, NJ, and NY and is not available at
MinuteClinic locations in MA, PA and RI.
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SOURCE CVS Health