Singapore: US-based drugstore chain, Walgreens, and the United Nations Foundation has launched "Get a Shot. Give a Shot" campaign, a collaboration to provide life-saving vaccines to children in developing countries.

Till October 13, for every flu shot or other immunization administered at Walgreens pharmacies, healthcare clinic at select Walgreens or Duane Reade pharmacy in New York, Walgreens will donate the value of a life-saving vaccine through the Foundation's Shot@Life campaign.

After Oct 13 and continuing year-round, Walgreens will donate the value of a vaccine for each additional non-flu, CDC-recommended immunization the company administers as part of "Get a Shot. Give a Shot," with an overall goal of 6 million life-saving vaccines, twice the number provided last year through the program with the help of Walgreens customers.

"'Get a Shot. Give a Shot' demonstrates the value of public/private collaboration and creates a unique opportunity for our customers to play an important role in helping to protect millions of children in developing countries from vaccine-preventable diseases," said Mr Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president, pharmacy, health and wellness. "So many countries are seeing decreases in childhood mortality as a result of higher immunization rates for measles and other diseases. And we're proud to expand our relationship with the UN Foundation to carry our purpose to help people get, stay and live well beyond the US and to other parts of the world."

Shot@Life is a movement to protect children worldwide by providing life-saving vaccines where they are needed most. The campaign partners with many organizations and corporations to broaden American support for immunizations against diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, measles and polio to children in developing countries. Together, these partners are working with Shot@Life to benefit Gavi, UNICEF and the World Health Organization to save lives and improve the health of millions of children around the world through life-saving vaccines.

"Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the lives of children in developing countries by protecting them from life-threatening diseases," said Ms Kathy Calvin, president and chief executive officer of the UN Foundation. "With access to vaccines, families are healthier, economies are stronger, and governments are more stable. By expanding our partnership with Walgreens, we can continue to help children reach their full potential, while creating more prosperous, resilient communities."