Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Receives Flu Shot at Walgreens Pharmacy, Stresses Flu Prevention for Residents Statewide

DEERFIELD, Ill., December 02, 2011 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will receive his seasonal flu shot today at the Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG) pharmacy at 933 N. State St., Chicago, reinforcing the importance of flu vaccinations and preventive health heading into the holidays and winter months.

The most recent reports from the Illinois Department of Public Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate there is now sporadic flu activity in Illinois.

“For those who haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, it’s prime time for prevention with changes in the weather, the holiday travel season and many other ways in which germs and viruses spread this time of year,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness services and solutions. “We’re proud to have Governor Quinn reinforce the need for protection and prevention with his flu shot, and helping to recognize the access we provide to immunizations through our network of pharmacists and more than 600 points of care across Illinois.”

The CDC again recommends a flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months and recommends vaccination every season in order to be fully-protected against influenza. On Sunday, the CDC kicks off its annual National Influenza Vaccination Week, a national observance that highlights the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and into the New Year. The flu season in the U.S. peaks in January and February 70 percent of the time, CDC records show.

“With the third-largest city in the U.S., one of the world’s busiest airports, mass transportation and more than 12 million residents across the state, Illinois takes health care and illness prevention seriously. Getting a flu shot is a simple and effective way to help keep our state healthy throughout the flu season,” said Governor Quinn.

All Walgreens pharmacies and Take Care Clinics offer flu shots daily with no appointment necessary. Flu shots are covered under Medicare Part B as well as a vast majority of insurance plans.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,786 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 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. 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
Jim Cohn, (847) 315-2950
http://news.walgreens.com