DEERFIELD, Ill., August 01, 2016 - Walgreens is now offering vaccinations that provide protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease (bacterial meningitis) at all of its pharmacies, including Duane Reade pharmacies in New York, and Healthcare Clinics nationwide. Vaccinations are available daily without an appointment and may be covered by insurance.
Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners can administer the new meningitis B vaccines (Bexsero® or Trumenba®) in most states to individuals ages 10 through 25.* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommends that meningitis B vaccines may be given to provide short term protection to anyone 16 to 23 years of age.
Meningitis spreads through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions and primarily affects adolescents and young adults. Teens and adults whose immunity has faded or live in close quarters, such as college dormitories, may also be at risk.
“We support the recommendations of health officials and stress that vaccination is the best protection against meningitis,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners continue to play an important role in providing more convenient access to vaccinations and other preventive services, and these new vaccines can be instrumental in helping to control meningitis.”
According to the CDC, symptoms of meningitis usually are sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu) and will often also cause nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash and confusion.
In addition to the meningitis B vaccines, Walgreens also offers the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines that protect against four serogroups (A, C, W, and Y). Patients are encouraged to speak to a health care professional or pharmacist to determine their vaccination needs.
To find the nearest Walgreens, call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit www.walgreens.com.
*Vaccines are subject to availability. Age, state and health-related restrictions may apply.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation's largest drugstore chains, is included in 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 8,173 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 and VisionDirect.com. More than 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.
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