Last year, H1N1 flu shots seemed to be available more by chance than by planning: If you visited your doctor at just the right time, when he had enough of the vaccine, you got a shot. Otherwise, you were out of luck.
Now, though, Walgreens, the largest chain of drugstores in the U.S., has launched a nationwide immunization program, with $29.99 vaccination shots available without appointment during most pharmacy hours at its 7,500 drug stores and its Take Care clinics. A total of 25,000 immunizers will administer the shots, Walgreens said.
According to Walgreens, only one flu shot is needed this season; it protects against H1N1 as well as the seasonal viruses influenza B and H3N2. The federal Centers for Disease Control recommends a flu shot for everyone every six months.
The company also said its arranged for direct billing for the shot nationwide through the health insurance companies including Cigna and United HealthCare. Regionally, Walgreens also has direct-billing arrangements with SummaCare in Ohio, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield in both Illinois and North Carolina.
In the New York City area, the 250-store Duane Reade chain, owned by Walgreens, will start offering the shots in September.
For more information, visit www.walgreens.com/flu
