DEERFIELD, Ill., July 1, 2013 - As new state legislation takes effect today to help bring greater patient access to vaccines, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (Nasdaq: WAG) has significantly expanded vaccine availability at all of its 204 locations across Indiana. Pharmacists are currently authorized to provide all adolescent and adult immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a prescription. Now, five of those vaccines are available without a prescription at Walgreens pharmacies daily, with no appointment necessary. The bill was signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in late April.
With vaccine available at all Walgreens pharmacies in Indiana, patients age 11 and older do not require a prescription for Influenza, Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), Human papillomavirus (HPV), or Meningococcal vaccines. In addition, patients age 65 and older will no longer need a prescription for Pneumococcal vaccine. Flu shots will also be available beginning in August.
“As some of the most trusted health care professionals in communities across Indiana, this is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help educate residents about the importance of adult vaccinations and to improve immunization rates through greater access,” said Chris Creamer, Walgreens market pharmacy director. “We’ve demonstrated through flu seasons and other health initiatives the important role Walgreens is playing in health care today, providing high quality, affordable care to help more people get, stay and live well.”
Many immunizations may be covered by insurance plans as well as Medicare Part B. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider for specific coverage details. To find the nearest Walgreens near you, patients can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit the Walgreens store locator online at www.walgreens.com/findastore.
About Walgreens
As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2012 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 more than 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 help 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 8,096 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.
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