Capital Blue Cross Joins Leading Area Pharmacy Chains and Healthcare Provider to Boost Flu Vaccinations

HARRISBURG - Prompted by spikes in flu-related hospitalizations and lagging vaccination rates among those of Medicare age, Capital Blue Cross is teaming up with three regional pharmacy chains and a healthcare provider to host vaccination clinics on Oct. 1.

The "Take Your Best Shot against the Flu" event will feature clinics at all five Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers across Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Click here for a full list of clinic sites and times.

GIANT pharmacies, Rite-Aid, Weis Markets pharmacies, and WellSpan Health are joining Capital to bring the vaccines to the clinics and encourage people 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, to get their flu shots per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Flu and other preventive immunizations, like RSV, are offered at no additional cost to Capital Blue Cross members at these locations and other in-network pharmacies and healthcare providers.

"An annual flu vaccine not only reduces your chances of illness, it helps limit the spread of the flu virus," said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital's Chief Medical Officer. "That means fewer doctor visits for you or your family, lower hospitalization rates, and overall healthier communities. There is simply no downside to getting your annual flu vaccine."

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, but vaccines received later in the season can still be beneficial.

Pennsylvania's adult flu vaccination rate has dropped about 5% since 2020, according to state and federal data. That means 500,000 fewer Pennsylvania adults have been vaccinated in recent years, while annual adult flu cases have more than doubled.

About Capital Blue Cross

Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind and promote health and wellness for our members. We focus on simplifying and personalizing the healthcare experience and using innovative solutions - including patient-focused care models, actionable data, and digital health technologies - to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.