Walgreens Partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs to Expand Veterans Access to Flu and Other Recommended Vaccinations

Arrangement includes secure, electronic transfer of immunization records, supports complete VA patient medical records

DEERFIELD, Ill., October 02, 2014 – Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (Nasdaq: WAG) today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve care coordination and integrate immunization records for more than 8.5 million VA-enrolled patients. Through its 8,200 locations nationwide, Walgreens pharmacists can provide veterans with greater access to flu and other CDC-recommended vaccinations. Walgreens pharmacists also will leverage the eHealth exchange through Walgreens electronic health record (EHR) platform to securely share immunization records with the VA and help ensure complete patient medical records.

“Walgreens is committed to supporting our veterans, and we are proud to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide convenient access to vaccines,” said Walgreens President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Wasson. “This is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help VA educate veterans about the importance of vaccinations, to improve immunization rates through greater access and to contribute to helping veterans get, stay and live well.”

“VA is proud to partner with Walgreens to provide needed vaccines to our nation’s veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “This partnership is a great example of how government and the private sector can work together to effectively and efficiently provide veterans the care and benefits that they’ve earned.”

Vaccinations are available daily during all pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary. Vaccines are subject to availability. Age, state and health related restrictions may apply. Many immunizations may be covered by commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D. As part of this launch and under the agreement, VA funding can provide approximately 75,000 flu shots for enrolled veterans. Patients are encouraged to check with their health plan for specific coverage details. To find the nearest Walgreens, veterans can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit www.walgreens.com. For more information about VA’s immunization program, visit http://www.ehealth.va.gov/Immunization.asp.

About Walgreens
As the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2014 sales of $76 billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) vision is to be America’s most loved pharmacy-led health, wellbeing and beauty enterprise. Each day, in communities across America, more than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with online and mobile services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company operates 8,207 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country.

SOURCE: Walgreens