Friday, September 25, 2015
Contact: OMHMedia@hhs.govWalgreens to Provide Up To $15 Million Worth of Free Flu Shot Vouchers for Uninsured and Underinsured Americans
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist with voucher distribution effort as program enters sixth year
Deerfield, IL, and Washington, D.C. – Sept. 25, 2015 – Walgreens is providing up to $15 million worth of free flu shot vouchers this flu season through its collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which aims to improve immunization rates among uninsured Americans. Now in its sixth year, the voucher initiative has been instrumental in helping to protect more people from the flu each season, with Walgreens providing more than $40 million worth of vouchers since the program’s inception.
HHS is again assisting in the voucher distribution effort in communities across the U.S., and Walgreens is also currently distributing vouchers through a variety of outreach efforts, local events and community and faith-based organizations.
Each voucher is good for one flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy in the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico, Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and Walgreens Healthcare Clinic locations, and is subject to the terms and conditions on the voucher.
“We’re proud to continue to grow our collaboration with HHS and to be working together to meet the health care needs of the communities we serve,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “We know that cost can be a barrier for some people when it comes to vaccinations and other preventive care. And by providing access to flu shots at no cost for those who are eligible, we can make a significant impact by protecting more people throughout the flu season.”
Individuals who are eligible can call 1-800-925-4733 to find the nearest Walgreens location with flu shot vouchers available, as availability is on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
“This successful collaboration has provided vouchers for free flu shots for more than 800,000 people since 2010 and is an effective tool in our effort to eliminate disparities in flu vaccination coverage throughout the country,” said J. Nadine Gracia, MD, MSCE, deputy assistant secretary for minority health and director of the HHS Office of Minority Health.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), the nation's largest drugstore chain, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,240 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country.
About U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the U.S. government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. To find out more about HHS and the services it provides, please visit: www.hhs.gov.