ATTENTION: Assignment Desk & Reporters

Nation’s Largest Community Pharmacy Chain Plans to Offer H1N1 Vaccine Throughout the U.S. in December

The H1N1 virus has been top of mind for many this cold and flu season but availability of the H1N1 vaccine has been an issue for people who want to protect themselves and their families by getting the shot. The good news is that local health departments across the country are now providing the vaccine to local pharmacies, and many states are also lifting priority group restrictions – meaning now anyone who wants the shot can readily get it.

About 15 percent of Americans have been infected with H1N1, which means the majority of the population is still susceptible to the virus. The flu season runs through the end of March, and with holiday travel and kids going back to school, health officials, including those from the CDC, believe we may see another wave of H1N1 activity. One of the main reasons why people haven’t gotten the H1N1 shot is because it hasn’t been widely available – but now it’s available and it’s convenient.

Walgreens is currently offering H1N1 vaccine at more than 1,500 pharmacies and Take Care Clinics across the country.