Walgreens Flu Shot Appointments Now Available Nationwide for Everyone Aged 3 and Up

Rhea-AI Summary

Walgreens (WBA) has announced the availability of flu shots nationwide for individuals aged 3 and up. The company offers flexible vaccination appointments, including nights, weekends, and walk-ins, with options to schedule additional vaccines in the same visit. Walgreens will also provide the updated COVID-19 vaccine once available.

The pharmacy chain offers various testing options for flu and COVID-19, including a rapid test for both viruses with results in 30 minutes. Walgreens pharmacists in many states can evaluate and prescribe antiviral medications for flu or COVID-19. The company also provides 1-hour delivery for medicine cabinet essentials and Same Day Rx Delivery for eligible prescriptions.

According to a 2023 IQVIA study, approximately 70% of adult flu vaccinations were administered in retail pharmacies during flu season. Since 2010, Walgreens pharmacy team members have administered more than 105 million vaccinations in U.S. communities.

Positive

• Expanded flu shot availability for ages 3 and up, potentially increasing customer traffic
• Flexible vaccination appointments, including nights and weekends, improving accessibility
• Offering rapid testing for both flu and COVID-19, diversifying service offerings
• Pharmacists in many states can prescribe antiviral medications, enhancing customer convenience
• 1-hour delivery for essentials and Same Day Rx Delivery, potentially boosting sales
• 70% of adult flu vaccinations administered in retail pharmacies, indicating strong market position
• Over 105 million vaccinations administered since 2010, demonstrating consistent growth in this service

Negative

• None.

Community pharmacies continue to serve as a convenient, trusted destination for vaccinations and other preventive healthcare services

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walgreens is now offering flu shots for anyone aged 3 years and up at stores nationwide ahead of respiratory illness season. Individuals and families can visit the pharmacy or schedule an appointment through the Walgreens app, by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.

Walgreens trusted pharmacy teams are working to keep communities protected this upcoming respiratory season by helping to ensure everyone has convenient and timely options for vaccination, testing and treatment – all in one place.

• Vaccinations: Flexible vaccination appointments are available – including nights, weekends and walk-ins* – with the option to schedule additional vaccines in the same visit, making it easy and convenient to stay up to date on all recommended vaccines, such as RSV, shingles, pneumococcal pneumonia and others. Walgreens will also provide the updated COVID-19 vaccine once available, recommended by the CDC to better protect against newer coronavirus variants.
• Testing: Individuals who are experiencing a runny nose, cough or other respiratory symptoms should get tested to help ensure they can quickly take the necessary steps toward recovery. Walgreens offers a variety of convenient options for flu and COVID-19 testing, including over-the-counter, PCR, and an easy “2 results in 1” in-store rapid test for COVID-19 and influenza A and B with results in 30 minutes, for $24.99.
• Treatments: Walgreens offers a full range of over-the-counter and prescription medications to help individuals minimize symptoms and recover as soon as possible. In many states, Walgreens pharmacists can evaluate and prescribe antiviral medicine, including Paxlovid or Tamiflu, if an individual tests positive for flu or COVID-19. Walgreens also offers 1-hour delivery for medicine cabinet essentials and Same Day Rx Delivery for eligible prescriptions.

Data from the CDC and IQVIA show that patients are increasingly turning to pharmacies for their routine vaccinations. According to a 2023 IQVIA study, approximately 70% of adult flu vaccinations were administered in retail pharmacies during flu season.^1,2

“Pharmacies continue to be the cornerstone of healthcare in communities across the U.S. and patients rely on our trusted pharmacists for everyday care, and respiratory illness season is no different,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. “Our pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring communities stay protected from viruses, providing accessible, quick and routine preventive services, including vaccinations, testing and treatment.”

More than 50,000 immunizing Walgreens pharmacy team members continue to play a critical role in helping to protect patients and their families from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Since 2010, they have administered more than 105 million vaccinations in communities throughout the U.S. Thanks to their efforts, neighborhood pharmacies like Walgreens continue to be the most accessible destinations for care during fall respiratory virus season.

How to prepare for a visit:

• Schedule an appointment – visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-Walgreens, both available in Spanish and English.
• Complete vaccination consent paperwork digitally prior to your appointment to automatically send to the pharmacy and save time during your appointment.
• Use the digital check-in feature at the pharmacy to skip the line and confirm your arrival.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and bring insurance information.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. True to its purpose of “more joyful lives through better health,” Walgreens has a more than 120-year heritage of caring for communities and providing trusted pharmacy services, and today is playing a greater role as an independent partner of choice offering healthcare services that improve care, lower costs, and help patients. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Walgreens is proud to serve nearly 9 million customers and patients daily. The company’s pharmacists are playing a more critical role in healthcare than ever before, providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for some of the nation’s most underserved populations. Walgreens offers customers and patients a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms designed to deliver high-quality products and healthcare services. Within the U.S. Healthcare segment, Walgreens portfolio also includes businesses in primary care, multi-specialty, post-acute care, urgent care, specialty pharmacy services, population health and provider enablement.

¹ IQVIA. Trends in vaccine administration in the United States. January 13, 2023. www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports/trends-in-vaccine-administration-in-the-united-states
² Influenza Vaccinations Administered in Pharmacies and Physician Medical Offices, Adults, United States. May 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/dashboard/vaccination-administered.html.

*Please note that walk-in appointments are based on availability.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240801817763/en/

Jim Cohn

Walgreens Media Relations

media@walgreens.com

Source: Walgreens

FAQ

What age group can get flu shots at Walgreens (WBA) in 2023?

Walgreens is offering flu shots for anyone aged 3 years and up at stores nationwide in 2023.

How can customers schedule flu shot appointments at Walgreens (WBA)?

Customers can schedule flu shot appointments through the Walgreens app, by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.

What testing options does Walgreens (WBA) offer for flu and COVID-19?

Walgreens offers over-the-counter tests, PCR tests, and a rapid '2 results in 1' in-store test for COVID-19 and influenza A and B, with results in 30 minutes for $24.99.

Can Walgreens (WBA) pharmacists prescribe antiviral medications for flu or COVID-19?

Yes, in many states, Walgreens pharmacists can evaluate and prescribe antiviral medications like Paxlovid or Tamiflu for patients who test positive for flu or COVID-19.

What percentage of adult flu vaccinations were administered in retail pharmacies according to the 2023 IQVIA study mentioned by Walgreens (WBA)?

According to the 2023 IQVIA study, approximately 70% of adult flu vaccinations were administered in retail pharmacies during flu season.