In recognition of the increased risks that seniors have of developing health complications from the flu, pneumonia, shingles and other illnesses, CVS/pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® have declared September to be Senior Vaccination Month. Because people’s immune systems weaken as they age, it is important that adults ages 65 years and older stay up to date on their vaccinations. CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants will be raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations for their senior patients throughout the month.
All 7,700 CVS/pharmacy locations and all 900 MinuteClinic locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores can administer vaccinations to patients to help protect them against the flu and other illnesses every day with no appointment needed, including evening and weekends. In addition to flu and pneumonia vaccinations, other shots such as the shingles vaccine are available at CVS/pharmacy and Hepatitis vaccines are available at MinuteClinic.
In addition to the regular flu shot that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for everyone who is at least six months old, all CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations also offer the Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine for people 65 years and older. Fluzone High-Dose contains four times the antigens as the seasonal flu vaccine and is designed to provide a stronger immune response in people 65 years and older.
A recent consumer survey by CVS/pharmacy showed that three in five adults in the U.S. are not aware of the importance of the high dose flu vaccine in preventing the flu for adults ages 65 and up. The survey also showed that nearly one in three Americans say they have a role in helping an elderly family member or loved one make health care decisions, including whether to get a flu shot.