MDA, WALGREENS JOIN FORCES TO OFFER SEASONAL FLU SHOTS

TUCSON, Ariz., September. 1,  2009 – Continuing a service it has provided for decades, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is again offering seasonal flu shots to people who have muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

To assist individuals in obtaining an immunization this flu season, MDA is again teaming up with Walgreens to offer shots at more than 7,000 Walgreens points of care across the country, including its stores in all 50 states and 340 Take Care Clinics, through a voucher program beginning Sept. 1.

Muscular dystrophy and related diseases, especially those that progress in severity, can damage muscles involved with breathing. The flu is particularly hazardous for those with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

MDA Medical Director Valerie Cwik said, “Both adults and children with these diseases may already have weakened respiratory systems. MDA provides flu shots to reduce their likelihood of catching another possibly life-threatening illness.”

This program covers the seasonal flu vaccine that’s made available each year. MDA will also be offering the H1NI (swine flu) vaccine when it’s made available by the government later in the fall. Further information on that program will be provided through MDA’s Web site, www.mda.org.

Walgreens is offering seasonal flu shots beginning Sept. 1.  Shots are also being offered any time between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on a walk-in basis starting Sept. 8.  Individuals can also visit Walgreens.com/flu or call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733) for further information.  MDA has more than 200 clinics nationwide where shots may also be obtained.  

For information about obtaining a flu shot for someone with a disease covered by MDA or securing a flu shot voucher, call the MDA office in your city or visit www.mda.org.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.