Walgreens Brings “Don’t Get Benched by the Flu” to New York City as Flu Activity Picks Up

DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 2, 2026 - Today, Walgreens brings "Don't Get Benched by the Flu" to Herald Square in New York City to encourage people to prioritize flu prevention and get vaccinated before flu activity ramps up in their communities. Walgreens will debut the larger-than-life bench experience from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET before New York City's hometown basketball teams tip off in the evening. Attendees can visit the activation at Herald Square to snap a photo, shoot some hoops, score giveaways and book a flu shot with Walgreens.

Walgreens is also partnering with Jordyn Woods, entrepreneur and icon in New York basketball culture, to encourage people to prioritize their health and plan ahead this season.

"This season of life means a lot of busy nights and moments I don't want to miss, so getting my flu shot is one way I'm staying prepared," said Jordyn Woods. "Whether it's a big game, time with family or just keeping up with everyday life, no one wants to get benched by the flu. Getting vaccinated at Walgreens is a simple step you can take now to help you stay in the game all season."

Protect Yourself and Others as Flu Activity Accelerates

Early data from the 2026-2027 Walgreens Flu Index suggests flu cases are rising, sooner than in recent years. For the week ending October 24, Walgreens dispensed four times more flu antiviral prescriptions than during the same period last year, another sign of an early start to the season. With the winter months approaching, Walgreens is encouraging people to get vaccinated now rather than waiting for flu activity to increase further. Timing is critical when it comes to flu prevention as it can take about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection.

"Flu season is off to an earlier start, and our data is showing why it's important not to wait to get vaccinated," said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy and enterprise external affairs officer at Walgreens. "Whether you're cheering on your favorite team, traveling for the holidays or gathering with family, a flu shot is one of the best ways to help protect your health and avoid missing the moments that matter. With Walgreens pharmacies in communities across the country, we're making it easier to take that important step."

Walgreens offers several flu vaccine options, including standard-dose vaccines, higher-dose vaccines, which are recommended by the CDC for patients 65 and older, as well as the new mRNA flu vaccine at select locations.¹ Patients can walk into a local Walgreens pharmacy or schedule for up to four patients in advance at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, by texting "Flu" to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.²

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Don't Get Benched by the Flu" activation? 

On Monday, November 2 from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET, Walgreens will host "Don't Get Benched by the Flu" in New York's Herald Square, featuring a larger-than-life bench to help people make flu prevention part of their game plan. You can visit the activation at Herald Square to snap a photo, shoot hoops, score giveaways and book a flu shot with Walgreens.

Walgreens is on your corner and in your corner, and we're here to help you stay in the game all season long.

What are we seeing with flu activity in New York?

Current flu activity in New York remains low but is increasing week over week, according to the Walgreens Flu Index. During the 2025-2026 season, New York experienced its highest number of weekly flu cases ever recorded in a single week, driven by a surge in December.³ That's why Walgreens is encouraging people to get vaccinated now, before flu spreads widely this year.

Why is Walgreens launching "Don't Get Benched by the Flu" activation now?

This year's early data suggests flu season cases are rising, sooner than in recent years. For the week ending October 24, Walgreens dispensed four times more flu antiviral prescriptions than during the same period last year, further suggesting that the flu season is starting earlier than years past.

That makes taking action now especially important. Getting vaccinated before flu begins spreading widely can help people stay healthy throughout the season and be there for the moments that matter. Staying in the game means staying protected, and Walgreens is the team on your corner and in your corner to help make it happen.

How can people protect themselves if flu is spreading in their area?

Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect against flu, even when flu is already spreading in communities. Vaccination remains important regardless of current local activity. Walgreens offers flu shots nationwide with convenient walk-in availability and flexible scheduling options.

In addition to getting vaccinated, other important preventative measures include washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and taking other steps to reduce the spread of germs.

Local Walgreens pharmacists can also help answer questions about vaccination and recommend products to help manage common symptoms if illness strikes.

How can I get involved if I can't be in New York on November 2?

You don't have to be in New York to help protect yourself, your family and your community from the flu. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot in the fall before flu activity spreads and reaches its peak.⁴ It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against flu.⁵

Patients can walk into a local Walgreens pharmacy or schedule an appointment for up to four patients in advance at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, by texting "Flu" to 66879 or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.²

About Walgreens

Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 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.

¹ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Flu and People 65 Years and Older." September 4, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm

² Vaccines subject to availability. Walgreens administers applicable vaccinations for children ages three and older. State-, age-, and health-related restrictions may apply.

³ New York State Department of Health. "New York State Department of Health Confirms Most Flu Cases Ever Recorded in One Week." December 26, 2025. https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-26_flu_cases.htm

⁴ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Preventing Seasonal Flu." September 1, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html

⁵ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine." September 1, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html

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Carly Kaplan

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