CVS Health® survey finds more than 60 percent of consumers say they are likely to get a flu shot this season
Enhanced flu testing and treatment offerings are also available in select CVS Pharmacy locations across 38 states
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Sept. 3, 2025 — CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) today announced that updated 2025-2026 flu vaccines are available at CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual flu vaccination is the best way to help reduce the risk of contracting the flu and its potentially serious complications. Patients interested in getting a flu vaccine can quickly and easily make vaccination appointments by visiting CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com or through the CVS Health app. Walk-in vaccination appointments are accepted at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic.
According to a survey of U.S. consumers commissioned by CVS Health1, 63% of consumers say they are likely to get a flu shot this season. That is similar to the last two years, when 62% said they were planning to get a flu shot in 2024 and 64% said they were planning to get a flu shot in 2023. Additionally, 64% of consumers believe vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. Of those who intend to get vaccinated:
- 65% plan to do so before November
- 54% are doing so to protect their families’ health; other reasons are habit (47%), doctor recommended (42%) and to strengthen immune response (42%)
- 28% say they will get a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, which is on par with the doctor’s office (29%) as the top location for receiving a flu shot this season
“With so much conflicting information available, it can be hard to decide if vaccinations are the best way to help keep you and your family safe and healthy. Studies consistently show that preventive vaccinations are not only safe, but also the most effective way to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses,” said Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. “Trusted advisors such as your CVS pharmacist or MinuteClinic provider will work to understand your concerns, help explain the benefits of getting vaccinated and answer any questions you have to help you avoid preventable illnesses like the flu.”
The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older, with rare exceptions, should receive the updated flu vaccine, ideally in September or October, to protect against the most prevalent virus variants that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.
In addition, participating CVS Pharmacy locations in 38 states and the District of Columbia are offering the 3-in-1 combo test, which allows patients to be tested for Influenza A, Influenza B and COVID-19 with one swab. In states that allow pharmacists to both test for and treat COVID-19 and flu, patients can be tested and assessed by a CVS pharmacist for antiviral treatment in one appointment. Participating states include California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Patients can learn more about testing options by visiting CVS.com.
“We aim to make accessing care as seamless as possible, and our testing and treatment options are just another way we can be there for our patients when they need us most,” said Brian Bosnic, RPh, Senior Vice President, CVS Pharmacy. “When you’re in the throes of a seasonal illness, you don’t have time for guesswork. CVS Pharmacy can serve as a one-stop destination for all your health and wellness needs, from providing immunizations, to prescribing medication in select states, to offering products that can help you manage symptoms all season long.”
Vaccination appointments are available at CVS Pharmacy, including locations inside Target and Schnucks, and MinuteClinic seven days a week, including during evenings and weekends. The online vaccine scheduler offers the flexibility to schedule multiple patients (for up to four people) at once, allowing families, caregivers and others to get their vaccines together, at a time that’s most convenient for them. Patients can also schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment, such as flu, COVID-19, MMR and more. Additionally, MinuteClinic offers sick symptom visits during which patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19, and strep throat, if eligible. Appointments can be scheduled at MinuteClinic.com.
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15 of the most common vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, shingles, hepatitis B and more. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS Pharmacy will also receive a $10 off $20 to use on in-store purchases.2 ExtraCare members who have opted into rewards at the pharmacy will also receive $2 in ExtraBucks Rewards® for each CDC-recommended vaccine received. Flu and other preventative vaccines are available at no cost with most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Other vaccination costs vary by insurance.
Video and photo assets from CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available here.
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About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications, or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
Media contact
Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
Amy.Thibault@CVSHealth.com
Kara Page
330-310-4492
Kara.Page@CVSHealth.com
