WOONSOCKET, R.I., Sep 1, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Seasonal flu shots begin
Tuesday without appointment at MinuteClinics and select CVS/pharmacy stores, CVS
Caremark officials in Rhode Island say.
CVS Caremark officials say 100,000 free seasonal flu shots will be offered to
the unemployed at flu clinics scheduled at One-Stop Career Center locations.
Vouchers for free flu shots at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic will also be offered
to the unemployed.
A recent CVS Caremark Health IQ study revealed that those who are unemployed and
seeking employment are among the least likely to get a flu shot -- 34 percent
reported getting a flu shot last year, compared to 49 percent of respondents
overall.
"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," Dr.
Troyen A. Brennan, chief medical officer for CVS Caremark, says in a statement.
"Our commitment to offer 100,000 free flu shots -- costing $3 million -- is part
of broader efforts to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu."
Also, beginning Sept. 15, more than 9,000 flu shot clinic events will be held in
select CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide.
Consumers can call 1-888-FLU-SHOT or go to cvs.com on the Web to find a list of
vaccination locations.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International