The interactive online tool provides localized data on respiratory virus activity across the country.
DEERFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Walgreens has launched the 2025-2026 Respiratory Index, an interactive online tool that tracks flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide using prescription, testing and over the counter (OTC) product purchase data from Walgreens locations nationwide. This unique tool builds on more than a decade of insights from the Walgreens Flu Index to now offer a more comprehensive view of respiratory illness trends across the U.S., helping the public, healthcare providers, and health officials make more informed decisions throughout the respiratory virus season.
The Walgreens Respiratory Index will be updated weekly and will allow users to search by state to see where their geographic area ranks for both flu and COVID-19 activity.
“The updated Index provides a clearer view of current virus trends, helping individuals make informed decisions to protect their health,” explains Rick Gates, Walgreens chief pharmacy officer. “Virus activity is expected to pick up as we head into the holidays, so now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a flu shot and other recommended vaccines if you haven’t already. Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to prevent highly contagious illnesses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19.”
It is not too late to protect against respiratory viruses. Walgreens is offering flu, COVID-19, and other recommended vaccines for eligible individuals ages 3 years and older at stores nationwide.* Individuals and families can walk into their nearest Walgreens pharmacy or schedule an appointment by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, texting “Flu” to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS. Vaccines are covered by most insurance plans.
Currently, myWalgreens members will receive 20% off their next eligible purchase with any vaccination received—making it even more rewarding to stay healthy.**
Individuals who are experiencing respiratory symptoms should consider getting tested. Walgreens offers a variety of convenient, low-cost, in-store and at-home testing options for flu and COVID-19. A Walgreens pharmacist may also be able to prescribe oral antiviral treatment for flu or COVID-19 with a positive in-store test. And for those who don’t feel well enough to leave home, Walgreens offers virtual care consults and at-home tests, along with OTC symptom relief options such as Walgreens Sugar-Free Cough Drops, Walgreens Cough Mucus Relief DM, Walgreens Ibuprofen, and Walgreens Severe Sinus Congestion, are available for delivery in as little as 1 hour.
As respiratory season evolves, Walgreens pharmacists remain one of the most accessible, trusted healthcare providers across communities. Individuals can talk to their Walgreens pharmacist to learn more about how they can stay safe and get the care they need all season long.
About the Walgreens Respiratory Index
The Walgreens Respiratory Index is an online, interactive tool that ranks the top states for flu and COVID-19 activity in the United States, including Puerto Rico. The Index is updated weekly and is available through an online interactive map linked here. Users can view national activity or search by state to see where their geographic area ranks in any given week and how current activity compares to last season.
Data for the Walgreens Respiratory Index is sourced from multiple places across the Walgreens store footprint and network, including diagnostic testing data for influenza and COVID-19, prescription data related to respiratory illness treatment, and over the counter (OTC) purchases of flu- and cold-related products. For additional context, the Index also incorporates CDC wastewater viral data when available.
The index is not intended to illustrate virus severity, but rather, based on this methodology, to show which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of respiratory diseases. Walgreens continues to refine this surveillance platform with available data streams.
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*In some states, a prescription from a healthcare provider is required to receive an RSV vaccine at Walgreens. No prescription required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
** One coupon issued per vaccination up to a limit of three during offer period 8/01/2025 – 2/28/2026. Offer coupon will be provided after vaccination is administered. Offer not valid in AR, NJ or NY. Must be a myWalgreens member and submit offer coupon at time of purchase. Single use offer valid in store only for 14 days from issue date. Offer valid on in-store purchase of eligible items up to $100. Maximum discount per coupon is $20. Limit 1 store coupon redeemed per transaction. Void if copied or transferred. Offer cannot be redeemed on alcohol, dairy, tobacco, gift cards, clinic services, prescriptions, pharmacy items or services, sales tax and items sold by third-party partners. This offer is solely made by Walgreens and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer.
Contacts
Media Contact
Carly Kaplan
[email protected]
