DEERFIELD, Ill. — With the upcoming flu season expected to coincide with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Walgreens is now offering flu shots daily at all of its nearly 9,100 pharmacies with additional safety measures in place. 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.

Dr. Kevin Ban

“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 Dr. Kevin Ban, chief medical officer, Walgreens. “Getting your flu shot at Walgreens is one more thing we know everyone can do to help keep themselves and their loved ones healthy, in addition to social distancing, thorough hand washing and wearing face coverings.”

Manufacturers are making millions of extra flu vaccine doses to meet the highly anticipated demand for flu shots this season. Walgreens has a long history of providing immunizations to the more than one third of patients who receive their flu shots at a pharmacy, and has worked closely with manufacturers to increase supply and administer flu vaccinations as soon as possible this season. With 78% of the population within five miles of a Walgreens store, consumers can safely and conveniently get their flu shots from specially trained Walgreens pharmacy teams who know which flu shot is right for patients based on their age and health history.

The Flu Shot Experience at Walgreens

As announced in June, Walgreens has implemented additional safety measures meeting or exceeding CDC guidelines for pharmacy team members and patients to best meet anticipated demand for flu shots this season—60% of U.S. adults plan to get a flu shot in the fall, while just 45% of U.S. adults got vaccinated during the 2018-19 influenza season. Patients can get their flu shots by walk-in or schedule an appointment via Walgreens Find Care through the Walgreens app or online during pharmacy hours, including evenings, overnights at 24-hour pharmacy locations, weekends and holidays. Flu vaccine is subject to availability, and age, state and health related restrictions may apply.

“Throughout the pandemic, Walgreens continues to make the health and safety of its team members and customers a top priority,” added Dr. Ban. “We want our patients to know that we are there to help them and are taking precautions necessary to keep our communities safe.”

Lifesaving Vaccines for Children Around the World

For the eighth consecutive year, Walgreens is teaming up with the United Nations Foundation for the Get a Shot. Give a Shot. program to provide lifesaving vaccines to children around the world. For every flu shot or other vaccination administered, Walgreens will make a donation to the UN Foundation, up to $2.6 million. To date, the Walgreens Get a Shot. Give a Shot. program has helped provide 50 million lifesaving vaccines to children around the world.

For more information on getting your flu shot at Walgreens, please visit https://www.walgreens.com/flu.