CVS Caremark's seasonal flu shot clinics to run through October 22

CVS/pharmacy announced today that its seasonal flu shot clinics will run through October 22, in light of manufacturer delays in delivery of seasonal flu vaccine affecting all health care providers. However, MinuteClinic will continue to administer seasonal flu vaccines at its 500 locations in 25 states throughout the flu season with the supply of vaccine replenished as frequently as possible.

"We're very pleased that so many of our customers have heeded the message to get a seasonal flu shot this year either at CVS/pharmacy or at MinuteClinic in rates far exceeding last year and even our own expectations for this flu season," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for CVS Caremark.

"The next step in the process of protecting yourself and your family this flu season will be to get the H1N1 vaccine," Dr. Brennan added. "You can access information about availability of the H1N1 vaccine on www.flu.gov and find out from your state health department where you can get a vaccine. CVS Caremark also anticipates offering the H1N1 vaccine."

CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are able to answer patients' questions about seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu virus, treatment and prevention, influenza warning signs, and the availability of antiviral medication and over the counter products to relieve symptoms. Common seasonal flu symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, dry cough, stuffy or runny nose and muscle ache. The H1N1 virus has many of the same symptoms as seasonal flu with some reports of additional symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.