American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest Offers 35,000 FREE Walgreens Flu Shot Vouchers

Dec. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- In an effort to eliminate disparities in influenza vaccination rates among older Americans, the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest is offering 35,000 FREE Walgreens flu shot vouchers in conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 5-11.  The vouchers are available to those who need them and live in Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa and South Dakota.  A report released today, “Missed Opportunities: Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccination in Older Adults,” places special emphasis on seniors and shows that millions are at increased risk from these preventable, yet deadly, respiratory diseases.

“We’re proud to do our part to stop the spread of influenza and are offering these vouchers to anyone who needs them,” says Harold Wimmer, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.  “It’s important that we address this health disparity now to prevent serious illness and save lives in the future.”

Influenza is responsible for an average of 226,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually. Nearly 90 percent of deaths occur among people 65-years of age and older and studies show that the flu shot can be up to 70 percent effective in preventing hospitalizations for both influenza and pneumonia.  Many older adults are not getting vaccinated due to missed opportunities. Some patients don’t ask to get vaccinated, and some doctors don’t even recommend it during a well or sick visit.

Vouchers can be obtained both online and over the phone at the Lung Association’s website www.lungum.org and through their Lung Helpline, 1-800-548-8252.  They are redeemable at any Walgreens* nationwide and are available while supplies last.


*Please note:  Unless the Walgreens store has a Take Care Clinic within it, the minimum age for the immunization shot is 18 years of age.  At Take Care Clinics, nurses administer the shots and the minimum age is two.

About The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest
The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest is offering 35,000 free flu vaccines valued at $30, for a total of $1,050,000 worth of health protection.

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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health & preventing lung disease. Through research, education & advocacy, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air”.