Duane Reade offers H1N1 immunization vaccines for New York residents

Duane Reade, the largest drug store chain in New York City, today announced plans for its H1N1 immunization program as part of the Company's commitment to meet the health and wellness needs of New Yorkers and to be a destination for their flu related needs.

H1N1 immunization vaccines will be offered at select Duane Reade pharmacies in the near term, pending the release of the H1N1 vaccine by the New York City Department of Health. For the most up-to-date information and exact store locations where New Yorkers can receive the H1N1 vaccination, please visit Duane Reade's website at www.duanereade.com/FluShots.aspx or call the customer service hotline at 1-866-DR-LOYAL (1-866-375-6925). Customers may also sign up to receive mobile alerts that will inform them of specific Duane Reade store locations where the vaccine will be available. Interested parties can simply text "flu" to 63103 and follow the instructions when prompted.

"We are very pleased that we will be able to provide this important public service to New Yorkers," said Frank Scorpiniti, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Operations. "Duane Reade has long been a health and wellness destination for New Yorkers and we are confident that the recent improvements we have made to our operations better equip us to meet our customers' needs as they face a variety of health concerns, including the H1N1 virus. Moreover, we have developed a strong working relationship with New York City's health officials who recognize Duane Reade as a leading provider of health and wellness services for New Yorkers. This will allow us to procure and administer a sizeable number of vaccines and benefit the community at large."

In December 2008 New York became one of the most recent states to enact laws and regulations permitting pharmacists to administer vaccines. In an effort to adapt quickly and to prepare its organization for the H1N1 immunization program, Duane Reade collaborated with the American Pharmacists Association to certify a large number of its pharmacists to administer the H1N1 vaccine. All of Duane Reade's pharmacists are qualified to consult patients and answer questions about the treatment and prevention of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu, as well as to discuss influenza warning signs and the proper use of antiviral medications and over-the-counter products to treat influenza or relieve flu symptoms.

In addition to offering the H1N1 immunizations, each of Duane Reade's more than 250 stores locations offer seasonal flu supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers and rubs, thermometers, masks, and other flu-related items. Moreover, Duane Reade's pharmacies are fully stocked with Tamiflu and Relenza. In collaboration with New York City health officials, Duane Reade will offer Tamiflu and Relenza at lower costs to those customers who are uninsured and underinsured.

The cost to receive the H1N1 vaccine is $20. Customers who are New York Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries can receive influenza immunizations at Duane Reade as a covered benefit. All other customers should speak with their insurance providers to determine if the cost of the vaccine is covered under their individual plans.