CVS Health Offers Enhanced Flu Testing and Treatment Options with 2025-2026 Flu Vaccines

Strategic Insights -

This year, CVS Health is enhancing its flu testing and treatment offerings with the availability of updated 2025-2026 flu vaccines 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.

Key Takeaways:

  • Participating CVS Pharmacy locations in 38 states and the District of Columbia are offering the 3-in-1 combo test for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19, allowing patients to be tested and assessed by a CVS pharmacist for antiviral treatment in one appointment.
  • 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.
  • CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer more than 15 common vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, shingles, and hepatitis B, with some vaccines available at no cost with most insurance plans.
  • Patients can learn more about testing options by visiting CVS.com and make vaccination appointments quickly and easily.
  • CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer sick symptom visits during which patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19, and strep throat, if eligible.
  • ExtraCare members who have opted into rewards at the pharmacy will 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.

Statistics:

  • 63% of consumers say they are likely to get a flu shot this season, according to a survey of U.S. consumers commissioned by CVS Health.
  • 64% of consumers believe vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety.
  • 65% of consumers plan to get vaccinated before November.
  • 54% of consumers are getting vaccinated to protect their families' health.
  • 28% of consumers 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.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • CVS Health survey of U.S. consumers
  • CVS Health press release
  • Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Sept. 3 - CVS Health issued the following news release: