WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health has released findings from a poll on flu immunization as it urges families to get their shots during National Influenza Vaccination Week with the approach of peak flu season.

A recent CVS survey found that 61% of Americans get a flu vaccine every year or plan to get one this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 3 to 9) in 2005 to remind people to get immunized through the busy holiday season and into the new year, when cases of the flu typically increase, CVS said.

This year’s flu survey sheds light on the rising number of factors families consider when deciding where, when and how to get vaccinated, CVS noted. Among those who have ever received a flu vaccine, the top considerations on where to get the vaccine include convenience (37%), doctor recommendations (36%) and where insurance is accepted (35%).Nearly two in three (65%) of employed Americans indicated they would still go to work even if they were feeling ill with flu-like symptoms.

“The influenza virus is highly contagious and can be easily spread through a workplace environment through direct contact with co-workers or infected surfaces,” Angela Patterson, chief nurse practitioner officer at CVS MinuteClinic, said in a statement. “Influenza infection can have potentially serious effects and getting vaccinated is vital to staying healthy, especially when working alongside co-workers who may have already contracted the virus.”

CVS noted that, according to the CDC, only about 40% of the U.S. population reported having been vaccinated by the end of November last year.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder to make time during the busy holiday season to get your annual flu shot,” stated Papatya Tankut, vice president of pharmacy affairs at CVS Health. “With many people gathering for the holidays and flu activity beginning to increase, getting vaccinated will help ensure a healthier holiday for you and your loved ones.”

Seasonal flu outbreaks start early as October and last as late as May. CVS Health flu shots are offered seven days a week on a walk-in basis at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide, including locations inside Target stores. Consumers can find the store closest to them via CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app. For patients planning to go to MinuteClinic for their flu shot, location information and current wait times can be found on the CVS Pharmacy app or MinuteClinic.com.

Customers will receive a $5 off $25 coupon when they get a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic. Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside Target stores will get a $5 Target coupon.