On August 17, the biggest pharmacy chain stated that Walgreens flu vaccination will be available to patients. It should increase safety in a pandemic situation.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging everyone over 6 months of age to get a flu shot to help protect themselves and their communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses.”- announced Walgreens
Walgreens Flu Vaccination Season
Walgreens Company is one of the largest pharmacy chain in the United States of America. The company was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1901. As of February 29, 2016, the company operated more than 8,177 pharmacies in all US states (now that’s about 9,277), including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
To date US government has allocated funds for the influenza vaccine. The problem of the impending flu season is now more urgent than ever due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“The convergence of COVID-19 and flu season means that flu vaccinations are critical to reduce the overall burden of respiratory illnesses on the healthcare system and help protect communities,” said Kevin Ban, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Walgreens.
Safety for population will be added the fact that 78 percent of the patients within five miles of a Walgreens store, this is e particularly relevant for people with no reliable access to health care.
COVID-19 USA Statistics:
- Coronavirus cases – 5,613,183
- Death – 173,772
- Recovered – 2,974,780
The vaccination should be free for most of the insurance programs and for patients with Medicare Part B and Medicaid in certain states. According to the CDC recommendations population over 6-month age can be vaccinated. Walgreens flu vaccination shot is for everyone over 4 years’ age.
The pharmacy recommends to registering vaccination online; to reduce time you spend there. The registration online can be done only for people 7 years or older. It’s necessary to have face covering mask, but people without it will receive one before the flu shot. Bring with your insurance information and photo ID.
According to the Walgreens report, “You can expect in the pharmacy enhanced cleaning regimens, social distancing protocols and plexiglass shields at registers are maintained at all Walgreens locations. Pharmacy team members wear disposable face masks at all times, including while administering the flu shot. They also follow proper hand hygiene and glove use procedures that are typical for immunizations.
As an additional safety measure, all pharmacy team members administering flu shots wear plastic face shields for additional protection. Prior to administration of an immunization, pharmacy team members will take patients’ temperature and screen for the presence of symptoms or illness. Immunizations will be deferred if a patient has a fever or other symptoms associated with illness until after symptoms are resolved.”
“We want our patients to know that we are there to help them and are taking precautions necessary to keep our communities safe” Kevin Ban said.
