Free Flu Shots at CVS – 2009 Flu Vaccinations
Where to Get Swine Flu Vaccines – CVS Minute Clinics, Pharmacies
Sep 2, 2009
On August 31, 2009, CVS Caremark (CVS) announced that it will provide free flu vaccinations to unemployed Americans.
Learn where to get these free flu shots and find out if the 2009 flu vaccination will protect people against the swine flu (H1N1).
Free CVS Flu Shots for U.S. Unemployed
CVS is aiming to provide free flu shots to individuals who otherwise wouldn't seek immunization due to cost or availability. According to CVS, a flu shot can reduce an individual's risk of getting the flu by up to 70%.
In the August 31, 2009 press release, CVS Caremark's Chief Medical Officer, Troyen A. Brennan, noted, "The number of people who did not get a flu shot last year is alarming. CVS Caremark wants to ensure cost and access are not barriers to getting a flu shot this year for one of the most vulnerable populations, the unemployed."
The company's goal is to administer 100,000 flu shots for free. The estimated cost of this program is $3 million.
CVS Flu Vaccines – Where to Get 2009 Flu Vaccinations
Eligible individuals may receive free flu shots at One-Stop Career Centers, CVS pharmacies, and CVS Minute Clinics.
What will be in Flu Vaccinations? Is Swine Flu (H1N1) Covered in 2009?
Many Americans are likely wondering if the 2009 flu vaccine will cover the swine flu (H1N1). According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it will. Based on international scientific research, the 2009 flu shot will be tailored to the following:
- one A (H1N1) virus
- one A (H3N2) virus
- one B virus
Who Should Get a Flu Immunization? Pregnant Women, Children, Seniors at Risk
The CDC recommends that the following individuals obtain flu immunizations each year:
- Anyone 50 years of age or older
- Children 6 months to 19 years old
- Nursing home and long-term care facility residents
- Pregnant women
- Anyone who cares for or lives with the at-risk individuals listed above. This includes healthcare workers, nursing home personnel, and child caregivers.
Important Flu Immunization Information – Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?
According to the CDC, babies six months or younger cannot be vaccinated, and the flu shot is not recommended for any individual who previously contracted Guillain-Barré syndrome after receiving a flu shot. Other applicable restrictions are listed on cdc.gov.
Anyone interested in learning more about the flu shot, or the swine flu, can find a wealth of information on the cdc.gov website by visiting the preceding link.
Resources:
"CVS Caremark to Provide $3 Million in Free Flu Shots to the Unemployed." Retrieved from reuters.com on September 1, 2009.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, cdc.gov
CVS website, CVS.com
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