Walgreen Company : Walgreens Makes Adult Vaccinations More Accessible in Florida as New State Regulations Enable Pharmacy Chain to Expand Vaccine Offering to Its 851 Locations Statewide
07/09/2012| 01:35pm US/Eastern
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Everyday availability with no appointment necessary for vaccines to
help protect against shingles and pneumonia
With new state regulations allowing pharmacists to administer a broader
range of immunizations, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) has
significantly expanded vaccine availability at all of its 851 locations
across Florida, and is now offering immunizations daily for both
shingles and pneumonia.
The Florida Department of Health recently approved new regulations,
giving certified pharmacists the ability to administer both Zostavax - a
one-time vaccine that can reduce the risk of shingles in individuals 60
years of age and older - and also pneumococcal vaccine, to help protect
against pneumonia.
Immunizations may be covered by insurance plans. Patients are encouraged
to check with their insurance provider for coverage details.
"With more than 26,000 immunizations-trained pharmacists, we've
demonstrated through flu season and other health initiatives the
important role Walgreens can play in providing convenient neighborhood
access to immunizations and other preventive health care services," said
Terry Gubbins, Walgreens market pharmacy director. "As some of the most
trusted health care professionals in communities across our state, this
is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help educate
residents about the importance of these vaccinations and collaborate
further with our local health care providers to help improve
immunization rates in our communities."
Licensed and certified pharmacist immunizers in Florida are also able to
administer flu vaccine, which Walgreens offers daily at all of its
stores throughout the flu season. To find the nearest Walgreens,
patients can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit the Walgreens store locator
online at www.walgreens.com/findastore.
A February 2012 CDC report suggests that at least 45,000 American adults
die each year of diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. By
comparison, the CDC reports that fewer than 1,000 Americans die of
childhood diseases that are vaccine-preventable.
About Walgreens
As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72
billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com)
vision is to become America's first choice for health and daily living.
Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most
convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and
trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and
advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy
services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail
service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health
outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care
organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public
sector. The company operates 7,907 drugstores in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Take Care Health Systems is a
Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager
of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care
clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
Walgreens
Vivika Panagiotakakos, (847) 315-2923
http://news.walgreens.com
www.twitter.com/WalgreensNews
© Business Wire 2012
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