Last season’s flu outbreak no incentive for more to get shots

Despite last season’s flu outbreak, less than half the people surveyed (46%) by CVS/pharmacy said they were more likely to get a flu shot this year.

However, 59% of those surveyed said they consider receiving an annual flu shot a social responsibility to lessen the spread of the influenza virus.

"It is important for people to get the flu shot annually because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza to others, and your immunity from the virus declines over time," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, CVS Caremark’s vice president of pharmacy affairs. "The results of our consumer survey demonstrate the heightened awareness among Americans to get vaccinated, and CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are two of the most convenient places to get a flu shot."

The survey polled 2,084 adults between June 18th and 20th, 2013. It found that 47% of the respondents found it inconvenient to make an appointment for a flu shot. And 80% of respondents who have received at least one flu shot would recommend the high-dose flu vaccine to a friend or family member over the age of 65.

More than 7,500 CVS pharmacy stores and 650 MinuteClinics will be providing flu shots every day, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment needed.