Walgreens pharmacists in California offer immunizations that protect against pertussis

With the state of California on pace for the worst epidemic of pertussis, or whooping cough, in nearly five decades, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continue to strongly encourage vaccination to help increase immunity and stop the spread of the disease for all Californians. Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG) is offering immunizations that provide protection against pertussis (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-Tdap vaccine) at more than 150 select stores throughout the state, every day, with no appointment necessary.

“In addition to children, who are the most vulnerable, those who care for or are in contact with children should also be immunized, and we're continuing to stress these important statewide recommendations to our patients, customers and the general public.”

Walgreens pharmacists in California can administer immunizations to anyone age 9 and older. To find the nearest Walgreens offering pertussis immunizations, residents should contact their neighborhood Walgreens, call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit www.walgreens.com and check "immunizations" under the store locator tab.

"We share in the recommendations of state and federal health officials that the best thing people can do to keep themselves and their families healthy during this epidemic is to get vaccinated," said Bill Hose, California market vice president for Walgreens. "In addition to children, who are the most vulnerable, those who care for or are in contact with children should also be immunized, and we're continuing to stress these important statewide recommendations to our patients, customers and the general public."

With more than 575 stores throughout California, Walgreens continues to add locations that can administer whooping cough immunizations, in response to public demand and the current need for additional immunizations resources. For the latest pertussis immunization recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, visit its website at www.cdph.ca.gov.

Select Walgreens offer a wide range of more than 20 CDC-recommended immunizations, including those for shingles, pneumonia and others. In addition, flu shots are currently available at every Walgreens pharmacy nationwide, every day, with no appointment necessary.