Chicago, IL – January 30, 2012.  The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC), in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, is offering vouchers for free flu shots. This free program is under the support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with Walgreens.

Vouchers may be used at any Walgreens in the Chicago area through April 15, 2012.  The voucher will cover the cost and administration of the flu shot.  In order to be eligible, you must be 18 years old (or if 14-18 years old must have parent or guardian permission), have no insurance coverage for a flu shot and unable to afford the cost of a flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all individuals 6 months of age and older should receive the vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe flu.  High risk patients include: adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, health workers and nursing home residents.  Adults with diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease on dialysis, smoking use, cancer or any chronic disease are also considered high risk.  Caregivers of children or at risk adults and household contacts of individuals with high risk medical problems should also consider receiving a flu shot.

If you are interested in receiving a voucher or know someone who would benefit from receiving a voucher, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your request or call (312) 962-7748 for more information. Vouchers are limited and subject to availability.  Vouchers may be sent via US first class mail or picked up at the monthly free FACHIC social work clinics.  A complete schedule of monthly FACHIC social work clinics including the location and time can be found at http://www.fachic.org/socialwork.

The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago (FACHIC) is a collaborative of community, health professional, and academic leaders united to address Filipino health issues in the Chicago area. The mission of FACHIC is to increase awareness of Filipino health disparities and to implement health interventions and educational programming to improve the health status of the Filipino community. FACHIC is a 501(c)(3) Illinois nonprofit organization.  All programs and services are free and available to all. For more information, visit http://www.fachic.org.