DEERFIELD, Ill., May 06, 2015 - Walgreens continues to offer vaccinations that provide protection against pertussis (whooping cough) at all of its more than 130 pharmacies throughout the state, as the Washington State Department of Health is urging vaccination with the state reaching more than four times the number of reported whooping cough cases compared to the same time last year. Vaccinations are available daily during all pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary and are covered by most insurance plans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection primarily affecting young children. Teens and adults whose immunity has faded are also at risk. The Department of Health says there have been more than 380 cases of whooping cough reported compared to 85 reported cases during the same time in 20141.
“We support the recommendations of health officials and stress that vaccination is the best protection people can get from whooping cough,” said Sepi Soleimanpour, Washington regional healthcare director for Walgreens. “Walgreens pharmacists continue to play an important role in providing more convenient access to vaccinations and other preventive services in communities across the state.”
Walgreens pharmacists in Washington can administer immunizations to anyone age 7 and older.
The Washington State Department of Health recommends the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for the following groups2:
- Pregnant women
- All adults who provide care to infants and adults living in a household with an infant, including adults age 65 and older
- Those 11 years and older who are not up to date on pertussis vaccinations
Vaccines are subject to availability. Age, state and health-related restrictions may apply. To find the nearest Walgreens, residents can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit www.walgreens.com. For the latest pertussis immunization recommendations from Washington State Department of Health, visit its website at www.doh.wa.gov.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), the nation's largest drugstore chain, constitutes the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,232 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country.
1 Washington State Department of Public Health website; year-to-date week 4/25/15
2 Washington State Department of Health website
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