As flu cases continue to remain high, select
CVS pharmacies across 37 states launch combo test for Flu A, Flu B
and COVID-19
Pharmacists can also prescribe flu treatment
for eligible patients in 13 states with positive test results
helping ensure timely access to care
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Feb. 27,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With flu cases continuing to
remain high in communities across the U.S., CVS
Health® (NYSE: CVS) today announced that CVS
Pharmacy® has enhanced its flu testing and treatment
capabilities at roughly 1,600 locations in select states.
Participating CVS Pharmacy locations in 37 states have begun using
a new 3-in-1 combo test when patients present with flu-like
symptoms, allowing them to be tested for Influenza A, Influenza B,
and COVID-19 with one swab.
In addition, the company has streamlined scheduling for test and
treat appointments through its digital scheduler on CVS.com and the
CVS Health app. In states that allow pharmacists to both test and
treat for COVID-19 and flu, patients may now 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.
"Timely access to care and treatment is critical with illnesses
like influenza and COVID-19," said Jinali Desai, PharmD, MBA, MPH,
Vice President, Pharmacy Health Services for CVS Health. "CVS
Pharmacy's array of testing and treatment options allows us to be
with our patients every step of the way. From immunizations to
symptom evaluation to prescribing medications for those who are
eligible, our trusted pharmacists offer convenient and accessible
care when patients need us most."
A pharmacy-administered flu and COVID-19 test costs $29.99. The pharmacist assessment will cost
$45, regardless of whether medication
is prescribed. Patients may use HSA or FSA funds to cover the
assessment fee. Any cost or copay for a prescribed medication is
dependent on the patient's prescription insurance coverage.
At-Home Test Options
CVS Pharmacy offers several at-home flu and COVID-19 test
options as well, enabling patients to test for these illnesses
in the comfort of their own home. Three different combo tests,
priced at $12.99 and $24.99, are available for purchase on CVS.com and
at the company's retail stores nationwide.
If a patient tests positive at-home and is seeking treatment,
they can request a pharmacist evaluation via CVS.com or the
CVS Health app and, if clinically appropriate, may be prescribed a
medication. Pharmacist evaluations are available during weekend and
evening hours.
"Through our clinical pharmacy care offerings and extensive
selection over-the-counter wellness products, we can help people
with all of their wellness needs," added Desai.
To make it even more convenient, CVS Pharmacy offers several
delivery options for customers and patients with eligible
prescriptions, including same-day delivery and 1-2-day
delivery.
Help prevent illness with immunizations
Immunization is the most effective way to help prevent the flu.
Both the flu vaccine and updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine are
still available at CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic®
locations nationwide. MinuteClinic also offers sick symptom visits
during which patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19, and strep
throat, if eligible. Walk-ins are accepted at CVS Pharmacy and the
company's digital vaccine scheduler reflects available appointments
at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic.
Patients ages six months and older should receive the updated
flu and COVID-19 vaccine to restore and enhance protection against
the most prevalent virus variants currently circulating. While the
ideal time to receive a flu shot is before the winter months, it's
not too late to get an updated dose.
In addition, people age 65 and older who received the updated
COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2024 can receive a second
dose six months after the first. People who are moderately or
severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second dose as well.
This means that patients who received an updated COVID-19 in
September or October 2024 would be
eligible for another dose in March or April 2025.
Video and photo assets from CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are
available here.
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
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SOURCE CVS Health
