WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the start
of flu vaccine availability, a new survey from CVS Health
(NYSE:CVS) released today found that one in five (22 percent) of
consumers surveyed who didn't get a flu vaccine last year say that
knowledge of last year's flu season – which had flu levels that
were the highest observed since 2009 – makes them more likely to
get vaccinated this year. On a similar note, among the 27 percent
of parents of children under 18 whose child did not get the flu
vaccine last year, 26 percent say they are more likely to get their
child vaccinated this year after learning about the notably high
flu levels during last year's flu season.
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. To
ensure that patients are able to get the flu shot as soon as
possible, all CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide
now have the vaccine available.
The annual flu survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on
behalf of CVS Pharmacy in July 2018[2] among over 2,000 U.S. adults
ages 18+, also found that two-thirds (66 percent) of those surveyed
get a flu vaccine every year, or plan to get one this year, a five
percent increase from last year's survey findings[3].
"Many people are looking for ways to stay healthy, especially
during cold and flu season," said Papatya Tankut, Vice President of
Pharmacy Affairs at CVS Health. "This has led to an increase in
those who are planning to get a flu shot this year, and we're
hoping this results in fewer flu cases. CVS Pharmacy continues to
be a partner in helping our customers combat the flu and helping
them focus on their overall health in a way that works for them –
particularly in terms of convenience, access and affordability."
Doctors' opinions (39 percent), where insurance is accepted (38
percent), and convenience (33 percent) continue to rank among the
top three factors in determining where to go for a flu shot among
patients who have received a flu vaccine. Among the same group, the
percentage who get vaccinated within a pharmacy stayed the same as
last year at 22 percent, but there is a shift for those employed
adults who get vaccinated at their workplace (previously 22
percent, now 15 percent) and those who get vaccinated by their
primary care provider or other health care professional (previously
44 percent, now 48 percent).
Flu vaccinations are conveniently available seven days a week at
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide with no
appointment needed.[4] 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.[5] In addition, customers
will receive a $5 off $25 coupon when they get a flu shot at CVS
Pharmacy or MinuteClinic. Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS
Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside select Target stores will
receive a $5 Target coupon.[6]
Up two percent from last year, 67 percent of those surveyed
would still go to work if they were feeling ill with flu-like
symptoms. The biggest reason for going into the office among those
who would go with the flu is not wanting to use paid time off (44
percent), while 38 percent are worried about lost wages. 37 percent
say that they go to work simply because their company and/or boss
would expect them to come in.
Other notable findings from the survey include:
- Flu-like symptoms haven't stopped some people from going out in
public:
-
- 28 percent have gone to the supermarket
- 12 percent have even picked up a child from school/daycare
- 10 percent have taken public transport
- Washing hands has long been touted as an effective way to stop
the spread of germs – 75 percent of those surveyed choose to do
this as often as possible (up five percent from last year); other
top methods include:
-
- 55 percent drink more water
- 50 percent take vitamins
- 50 percent regularly use hand sanitizer
- 50 percent wipe down surfaces with sanitizing wipes
"Surprising to many, it can actually take up to two weeks for
the flu vaccine to build immunity," said Angela Patterson, Chief Nurse Practitioner
Officer at MinuteClinic. "Because of this, CVS Pharmacy recommends
patients get their flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes
available to ensure patients are the most protected before flu
season peaks. Furthermore, influenza strains tend to change each
year, so it's very important to get vaccinated annually 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.
Consumers can visit CVS.com and/or MinuteClinic.com for more
information and additional resources. They 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 12-16, 2018 among 2,020 adults
aged 18+ by The 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. Please
note that the 2017 and 2018 surveys were run using different sample
sources. Year-over-year changes could be due in part to sample
source variations and not solely changes in respondent behavior.
For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and
subgroup sample sizes, please contact Amy
Lanctot at alancetot@cvs.com.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation
company helping people on their path to better health. Through its
more than 9,800 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical
clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 94
million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business
serving more than one million patients per year, expanding
specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare
Part D prescription drug plan, 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] U.S. adults surveyed who did not get a flu shot last
year
[2] Survey was conducted in the United
States by The Harris Poll on July
12-16, 2018, among 2,020 adults ages 18 and older.
[3] Please note that the 2017 and 2018 surveys were run using
different sample sources. YOY changes could be due in part to
sample source variations and not solely changes in respondent
behavior.
[4] Flu shots are available when immunizing pharmacist,
MinuteClinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant is on duty,
while supplies last. Age restrictions apply.
[5] Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age
restrictions apply.
[6] Offer available 8/13/18–12/31/18. You will receive a
merchandise coupon valid for 1-time use at CVS Pharmacy® locations.
Terms and conditions apply to coupon use and redemption. See coupon
for additional details. $5 savings
applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $25 (after other coupons and discounts are
applied). Offer not valid in pharmacy locations in AR, NJ and NY.
Offer not valid at MinuteClinic® locations in MA, NJ, NY, PA
and RI. Limit 1 per customer.
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SOURCE CVS Health