DEERFIELD, Ill.  — Health officials say it’s never too early to get an annual flu shot, especially after this past severe flu season, and Walgreens is now offering flu shots daily at all of its  pharmacies, including Duane Reade pharmacies, Walgreens-owned Rite Aid pharmacies and all Walgreens Healthcare Clinics.

Walgreens specially trained pharmacists are available to administer flu shots during pharmacy hours, including evenings, overnights at 24-hour pharmacy locations, weekends and holidays, with no appointment necessary. The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans with a $0 copay, although provider networks may vary.

“This past flu season showed why it’s so important for people to take preventive measures to help protect themselves and those around them,” says Tasha Polster, Walgreens vice president of quality and compliance. “While each flu season is unpredictable, one thing we know is that the flu shot remains the best protection against influenza. Our team of pharmacists and other clinicians continue to play an important role in flu prevention in the communities we serve, offering vaccinations when they’re most convenient for our customers and patients.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu shot for everyone over six months of age. Age restrictions vary by state at Walgreens pharmacies, while Healthcare Clinics can provide vaccinations for patients age 2 and older.

Walgreens Launches New Marketing Campaign for Flu Shots

To increase awareness about the importance of flu protection following one of the most severe flu seasons in recent years in the U.S., Walgreens will also be launching a new marketing campaign. The campaign will include a new TV commercial, influencer campaign and in-store materials in approximately 9,800 stores focused on the importance of getting flu shots. Each element of the campaign helps to show how Walgreens specially trained pharmacists make it easy for people to get a flu shot, with a $0 copay through most insurance plans.

Get a Shot. Give a Shot.® Allows Customers to Give Back to Populations in Need 

When customers get a flu shot at Walgreens, they are also helping populations in need in other parts of the world. Walgreens and the United Nations Foundation kicked off the sixth straight year of the Get a Shot. Give a Shot. campaign. For every flu shot or other vaccination administered at Walgreens pharmacies, Healthcare Clinics, Walgreens-owned Rite Aid pharmacies or Duane Reade pharmacies between now and August 31, 2019, Walgreens will donate the value of a lifesaving vaccine through the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign.

With the support of Walgreens customers, the program has helped to provide more than 34 million polio and measles vaccines to children in developing countries since its inception.

“I am very pleased to announce the sixth year of our partnership with Walgreens and the Get a Shot. Give a Shot. program,” said Kathy Calvin, president and chief executive officer of the United Nations Foundation. “Partnerships like these are vital as we work to reach children around the world. Get a Shot. Give a Shot. allows us to help provide children with vaccines that protect them from diseases like measles and polio. Thanks to this program, Walgreens customers can help support the Shot@Life campaign and ensure every child has a shot at a happy and healthy life.”

Shot@Life is a movement to protect children worldwide by providing lifesaving vaccines where they are most needed through the UN and other partners. The Shot@Life campaign collaborates with many organizations and corporations to broaden American support for childhood immunizations in developing countries against diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, measles and polio.