April 2, 2020
The Justice Department today announced a settlement agreement with Walgreen Company (Walgreens), a national retail store and pharmacy chain. The settlement agreement resolves a complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that alleges that at a Las Vegas, Nevada, pharmacy Walgreens refused to give a customer an influenza vaccination (flu shot) because he has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis.
Under the agreement, Walgreens will ensure its annual immunization policy training of pharmacists covers nondiscrimination and the importance of a flu shot for individuals living with HIV. In addition, Walgreens will pay $24,000 in damages to the complainant and a $15,000 civil penalty. People who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, including those with HIV or AIDS, are at high risk of serious flu-related complications and are recommended to be among the first populations who should seek out flu vaccinations.
For more information about the ADA, HIV discrimination, and this settlement, visit www.ada.gov/hiv. Those interested in finding out more about the obligations of healthcare providers under the ADA may call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or access the ADA website at ada.gov.
Article Credit: U.S. Department of Justice
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