Albertsons Companies pharmacies provide more to patients than just the flu vaccine this season

BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Albertsons Companies pharmacies have annual flu vaccinations in stock and are reminding customers that while they are getting vaccinated, it's a great time to review their immunization records and talk to their pharmacist about other health concerns, too.

"A quick trip to the store for your daily staples can also be a convenient time to chat with our pharmacists about broader health care needs," says Mark Panzer, Albertsons Companies Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Health and Wellness. "Our pharmacists can screen and protect customers against other vaccine-preventable diseases like tetanus, whooping cough, pneumonia and shingles, all while getting their flu shot."

By adding flu immunizations every year to a "to-do" list, patients can help prevent the spread of the flu virus. Other common, contagious (and often preventable) diseases like whooping cough and pneumonia are just as easy to be vaccinated for – and they can also be administered at the pharmacy.

"We want to do all we can to keep our communities healthy, which is why our pharmacists not only provide flu vaccinations, but take the time to do comprehensive immunization assessments and educate customers on the benefits of each vaccine," said Mark. "With immunization coverage among adults being low, our pharmacists are well positioned to improve immunization rates for all adults and protect the health of the communities we serve."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, get an annual flu vaccination as soon as it is available. Vaccinations help protect individuals and those around them from possible severe symptoms, flu-related complications, and hospitalization. With up to 20% of Americans getting sick with the flu annually, flu vaccination early in the flu season continues to provide the best protection.

The CDC also recommends additional vaccinations for certain age groups as detailed below, with few exceptions:

• Adults age 19 and older: one dose of the whooping cough vaccine and one dose of the tetanus vaccine every 10 years
• Adults age 60 and older: one dose of the shingles vaccine
• Adults age 65 and older: two different pneumococcal vaccines one year apart

These vaccines provide protection against the 1,000,000 cases of shingles, 40,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, and 28,000 cases of whooping cough seen in the United States on an annual basis. 

All vaccines permitted per state can be administered on a "walk-in" basis with no appointment necessary and are offered at more than 1,700 Albertsons Companies pharmacies, including those in Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs stores.

Most insurance plans cover the flu shot and other immunizations. Everyone who receives an immunization will also receive a coupon for 10% off a grocery purchase, where permitted by law.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.

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This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our perspectives and expectations, are forward looking statements. The words "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, when related to the Company and its subsidiaries, indicate forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current view of management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions and factors, including general economic, market, industry and operational factors. Any changes to these assumptions or factors may lead to practical results different from current expectations. Excessive reliance should not be placed on those statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made.

Contact: Jenny Rapley
208-395-4812
[email protected]

SOURCE Albertsons Companies