DEERFIELD, Ill. — To help improve immunization rates among uninsured and underinsured Americans, Walgreens is providing up to $15 million of free flu shot vouchers through its collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Walgreens said each voucher is good for one flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy in the United States and Puerto Rico, Duane Reade pharmacies in New York and Healthcare Clinic locations.

HHS is assisting in distributing the vouchers in communities nationwide. Walgreens also is distributing vouchers through a range of outreach efforts, local events and community and faith-based organizations.

“We’re proud to continue to grow our collaboration with HHS and to be working together to meet the health care needs of the communities we serve,” Richard Ashworth, president of pharmacy and retail operations at Walgreens, said in a statement.  “We know that cost can be a barrier for some people when it comes to vaccinations and other preventive care.  And by providing access to flu shots at no cost for those who are eligible, we can make a significant impact by protecting more people throughout the flu season.”

Through the program, now in its fifth year, Walgreens has provided a total of more than $40 million of flu shot vouchers.

“Since 2010, more than half a million individuals have received free flu shots and vouchers through this innovative partnership,” stated J. Nadine Gracia, deputy assistant secretary for minority health and director of the HHS Office of Minority Health. “In the face of persistent disparities in influenza vaccination coverage — especially among adults — this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding access to important preventive services for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

Overall, Walgreens operates 8,240 drug stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations.