DEERFIELD, Ill., May 8, 2012 - With epidemic levels of whooping cough reported in the state of Washington and creating the need for more immunizations resources, Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) is offering immunizations that provide protection against the highly-contagious respiratory infection (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-Tdap vaccine) at all of its 129 locations statewide. Immunizations are available everyday with no appointment necessary.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, there have been a total of 1,132 pertussis cases reported statewide through April 28, compared to 117 reported cases in 2011 during the same time period. The epidemic is on pace for as many as 3,000 cases in 2012.
Walgreens pharmacists in Washington can administer the vaccine to protect against whooping cough to patients over the age of 7.
“We share in the recommendations of health officials that one of the best things people can do to help keep themselves and their community healthy is to get vaccinated,” said Robbie Jacobs, 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 vaccinations and how we can all work together to help slow the spread of disease to some of the most vulnerable–our children. It is extremely important for those who care for or are in contact with children also be immunized to help prevent the spread of disease.”
For the latest pertussis immunization recommendations for children and adults, as well as vaccine information, visit the Washington State Department of Health website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/.
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 7,855 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