Summary Box: Walgreen says it has given 2M flu shots since August, could handle 15M this year

Summary Box: Walgreen outlines the flu season

EARLY START: The drugstore chain said it has given more than 2 million flu vaccinations since mid-August. Last year it started selling them around Sept. 1.

OUTLOOK: Walgreen gave 7 million flu shots last year and aims to administer 15 million shots this season.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT: Walgreen has hired more pharmacists and expended hours. This year’s shots include innoculations for seasonal flu and swine flu, but vaccine shortages hurt sales last year. The government has broadened its recommendations for who should get the shot.