Meijer Encourages Customers to get Flu Shots this Fall by Donating $5 to Simply Give for each Shot Administered

Retailer to donate up to $1 million for its hunger relief program by Nov. 26

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Aug 24, 2016, 10:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer is encouraging customers to get flu shots early this fall by donating $5 to its signature hunger relief program, called Simply Give, for each flu shot administered at its 230 stores.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer will donate up to $1 million to the program that stocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest while encouraging customers to get a jump on staying healthy this flu season.

"We are excited to help our customers fight the flu this season while also fighting hunger by participating in our Simply Give program," said Tim Lesneski, senior vice president of Drug Store, Pets & Consumables for Meijer. "There is no expiration date on receiving a flu shot, so the sooner you get your flu shot, the better chance you have of staying healthy."

Seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times, lead to hospitalization or death. Every flu season is different, and influenza effects vary from person to person, which is why it's important to understand the facts. Click here for the top Meijer flu myth busters.

From now through Nov. 26, Meijer will donate $5 to its Simply Give program for each flu shot administered. The Simply Give program has generated nearly $24 million for local food pantries since its 2008 inception.

Meijer operates 230 pharmacies in its supercenters throughout the Midwest, all of which administer the vaccine without an appointment during pharmacy hours and accept most major insurance plans. Depending on age, health status and state regulations, Meijer pharmacies offer a variety of vaccine options that include:

Fluvirin Trivalent: Three-strain vaccine
Fluzone Quadrivalent: Four-strain vaccine
Fluzone HD: For patients 65 and older that are typically covered by Medicare Part B

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronic offerings. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/meijer and @twitter.com/meijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.