DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the Chicago Health System on Tuesday reminded CHS patients who were given a flu shot voucher from Walgreens to redeem the voucher by the end of the month and help increase flu vaccination rates throughout the Chicagoland area. Through this program, the health system distributed approximately 25,000 vouchers in January to CHS patients who had not received the vaccination.

“While we have experienced a fairly mild winter, the flu virus is always unpredictable and can peak at any time,” said Ron Weinert, Walgreens VP health systems services. “We want to encourage patients to get a flu shot before their voucher expires as a simple way to protect yourself, your family and community. Our goal is to provide greater access to health care services like immunizations while lowering overall healthcare costs and this program is one way we can help do that.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through March 10 the national rate of 2011/2012 influenza-like illness incidence has not yet exceeded the national baseline of 2.4% — the marker that typically defines the beginning and end of a season. However, for the week ending March 10 Illinois reported moderate ILI activity and neighboring state Missouri reported a high level of ILI activity.

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