Study Results Indicate Flu Vaccinations May Reduce Hospitalization Rates WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 25
WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Caremark
(NYSE: CVS) announced today the findings from a yearlong study, suggesting
that influenza vaccinations can help reduce the risk of hospitalizations in
patients with chronic conditions. These findings will be presented on
Tuesday, November 25th at the annual meeting of DMAA: The Care Continuum
Alliance, in Hollywood, Fla.
"This data furthers our understanding of the positive impact of influenza
vaccinations," said Marsha Moore, MD, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs,
CVS Caremark. "The results are an example of how our Proactive Pharmacy Care
approach can help patients dealing with chronic conditions benefit from the
positive impact of an annual influenza vaccination and can be an important
tool for communicating the need for flu vaccine in this patient population."
The CVS Caremark study monitored the impact of influenza vaccination on
subsequent hospitalization rates for all participants. Results indicated that
for chronic disease patients who received the influenza vaccine there was a
19% reduction in hospitalization for all causes and a 24% reduction in flu and
pneumonia-related hospitalizations.
The study and analysis evaluated 19,908 participants enrolled in a
comprehensive common chronic disease management program. The subjects were
selected from a continuously enrolled population of all ages -- all of whom
were predetermined to have one of a number of chronic conditions including
asthma, diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart failure or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Investigators assessed hospital visits
in 2006, and the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups had equal distributions
of gender, age and co morbidities. The presence of influenza vaccine was
derived from self-reported patient data as well as medical claims.
Influenza vaccination is one of the universal recommendations by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a specific cohort of
patients of all ages, including those with chronic disease, as well as elderly
and pediatric patients.
"By reducing the number of hospitalizations and overall risks of
complications the appropriate use of the influenza vaccination could result in
a number of benefits for patients, and even lower the costs of care for those
who receive the vaccination," said Dr. Moore.
About CVS Caremark
CVS Caremark is the largest provider of prescriptions in the nation. The
Company fills or manages more than 1 billion prescriptions annually. Through
its unmatched breadth of service offerings, CVS Caremark is transforming the
delivery of health care services in the U.S. The Company is uniquely
positioned to effectively manage costs and improve health care outcomes
through its more than 6,800 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores; its Caremark
Pharmacy Services division (pharmacy benefit management, mail order and
specialty pharmacy); its retail-based health clinic subsidiary, MinuteClinic;
and its online pharmacy, CVS.com. General information about CVS Caremark is
available through the Investor Relations section of the Company's Web site, at
cvscaremark.com/investors, as well as through the press room section of the
Company's Web site, at cvscaremark.com/newsroom.
Media Contact:
Christine Cramer Jon Tashjian
CVS Caremark Weber Shandwick
(401) 770-3317 (617) 520-7118
ckcramer@cvs.com j.tashjian@webershandwick.com
SOURCE CVS Caremark
