DEERFIELD, Ill., December 7, 2023 – Walgreens is offering flu and COVID-19 testing appointments nationwide as the U.S. heads into the holidays and the winter months that typically coincide with peak respiratory illness season.[1],[2] Individuals can visit Walgreens.com/Testing, use the Walgreens app to schedule an appointment. Walgreens also provides various in-store and at-home testing and treatment options to help everyone stay healthy and feel better faster if they are experiencing symptoms.
“Respiratory illness activity and hospitalizations are picking up in many parts of the U.S., and these numbers are likely to continue increasing in the coming months,” said Anita Patel, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy Service Development at Walgreens. “In addition to staying up to date on your vaccinations, getting tested, seeking treatment promptly and practicing good respiratory etiquette are all important steps to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter, especially if you are feeling sick or planning to travel and gather for the holidays.”
Testing
Testing is the best way to know for sure if you have a specific respiratory virus, so you can take appropriate precautions and get the right relief or treatment immediately. Walgreens offers convenient rapid and PCR testing options in-store, including a “2 results in 1" rapid test for COVID-19 and influenza that costs just $19.99 and delivers results within 30 minutes. Uninsured patients may also be eligible to receive an in-store test as part of the Health and Human Services (HHS) free testing program.
In addition, Walgreens offers at-home rapid tests for COVID-19, which are available in-store or via 24-hour same-day delivery and are covered by many insurance plans.
Treatment
Once you know your test results, your pharmacist can help you determine the best next steps and get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible, whether that’s a prescription medicine or over-counter essentials to manage your symptoms. In many locations, the pharmacist may be able to prescribe medicine directly if you test positive for flu or COVID-19, further simplifying the path to recovery.
In select states, patients can also utilize Walgreens’ Virtual Healthcare offering to consult with a healthcare provider on common health needs including follow-up care or prescriptions for COVID-19 and flu. Visit Walgreens.com/Topic/Virtual-Healthcare to learn more about this fast, affordable, on-demand service.
“Prevention, testing and treatment are all important tools for managing respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Patel. “People are increasingly relying on pharmacies as a one-stop destination for these services and deepening their relationships with their community pharmacists, who work tirelessly to provide the care and information they need all season long. As the nature of respiratory illness season continues to evolve post-pandemic, we remain focused on being a trusted partner in keeping our communities healthy.”
Walgreens is committed to providing timely and accessible testing and treatment solutions to meet everyone’s needs. Talk to your pharmacist or visit Walgreens.com/Testing to learn more and determine which options are right for you.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are the single most effective way to prevent serious complications of respiratory illnesses, especially if the U.S. experiences further surges of these illnesses later this winter. If you have not yet received your annual flu shot, the updated COVID-19 vaccine or the RSV vaccine (if eligible), the CDC recommends getting these vaccines as soon as possible.[3]
Walgreens makes it simple for you and your loved ones to get all the vaccines you need in one visit, with flexible openings including nights, weekends and walk-ins when available. Plus, these vaccines may be at no cost to you. For example:
- COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available at no cost to the public. The cost will either be covered by insurance or government assistance programs, such as CDC’s Bridge Access Program.
- Flu and RSV vaccines are covered by most insurance plans with a $0 copay, and by Medicare and Medicaid in certain states. We encourage individuals to consult with their insurance providers to understand their coverage.
Visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, use the Walgreens app or call 1-800-WALGREENS to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. WBA’s purpose is to create more joyful lives through better health. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving nearly 10 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation’s underserved populations. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in communities nationwide.
Media Contact
Stephanie Corcilius
media@walgreens.com
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Respiratory Disease Season Outlook. https://www.cdc.gov/forecast-outbreak-analytics/about/season-outlook.html
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Season. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.html
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Take Steps to Help You Stay Healthy During the Holidays. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/stay-healthy-during-holidays.html