Walgreens "Fans" to Help Provide More Than $6 Million in Flu Shot Vouchers to Five National Causes Through New Social Media Campaign

DEERFIELD, Ill., September 09, 2011 - With more than 1 million “fans” on Facebook and the largest following on Foursquare among chain drugstore retailers, Walgreens (NYSE:WAG)(NASDAQ:WAG) is using these social media platforms to let its customers help distribute more than $6 million in free flu shot vouchers to five national charities. In a new cause program announced today, Walgreens is working with the American Diabetes Association, AmeriCares, Feeding America, League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Urban League to provide up to 200,000 flu shot vouchers.

Vouchers are for distribution to uninsured and underinsured individuals, as well as those who are unable to afford a flu shot without the voucher.

“Walgreens continues to play a leading role in providing flu shots and access to other important, preventive health care services for those in need throughout the U.S.,” said Kim Feil, Walgreens chief marketing officer. “Our objective during flu season is to protect as many people as possible. This program gives people a unique opportunity to have a voice as part of our mission to help everyone in America stay well throughout the season.”

There are two different ways people can participate. From now through Oct. 8, every time someone “checks in” at any Walgreens store nationwide through Facebook Places or Foursquare, Walgreens will donate one flu shot voucher to the pool of vouchers to be distributed to the participating organizations, up to 200,000.

Additionally, those who visit the Walgreens Facebook page beginning Sunday can cast their vote for which organization they would like to receive the largest number of flu shot vouchers, upon completion of the promotional period.

Each organization will receive an incremental allocation of flu shot vouchers, which will be determined by the total number of votes received. Distribution among organizations will be as follows:

• Top vote-getter – 30 percent
• Second place – 25 percent
• Third place – 20 percent
• Fourth place – 15 percent
• Fifth place – 10 percent

Walgreens has also provided an additional 20,000 vouchers for $10 flu shots as a base donation to each participating organization for distribution to qualified individuals.

With more than 8,000 points of care nationwide, Walgreens offers the greatest access to flu shots and other immunizations, with flu shots available daily at all pharmacies and Take Care Clinics, during all pharmacy and clinic hours with no appointment necessary.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,760 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