Meijer Launches Flu Shot Initiative in All 196 Stores

Retailer trains more than 600 pharmacists to provide flu shots to customers on walk-in basis

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Oct 12, 2010, 08:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- As this year's flu season approaches, Midwest retailer Meijer has expanded its pharmacy services to include on-demand flu shots at all 196 stores. The announcement was made by Karen Mankowski, vice president of pharmacy operations for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supercenter chain.

"Our expanded flu shot capability is yet another step in our efforts to make our stores a destination point for customers seeking healthy-living solutions," said Mankowski. "Meijer pharmacies are evolving to provide a variety of services on both sides of the pharmacy counter, with our pharmacists becoming a key connection point for our customers."

To prepare for the new program, Meijer trained more than 600 pharmacists representing all 196 Meijer stores to provide flu shots. Meijer's flu shot program is available on a walk-in basis from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those customers who need flu shots outside the scheduled hours can contact their local Meijer pharmacist for options.

"Flu shots are a very important part of staying healthy and protecting your family," said Dr. Robert Stachler M.D., Senior Staff Physician at the Henry Ford Medical Group and Clinical Associate Professor at Wayne State University. "It's a bit concerning that since the flu is not making headlines this fall, many believe the threat is not there. It's still there, and everyone, especially the higher risk groups, should be up to date on their shots."

This year's flu shot vaccine protects against all major strains of the flu, including H1N1. At the Meijer pharmacy, flu shots are available for adults and children nine years of age and older at a cost of $24.99. Most insurance plans including Medicare are accepted, and every customer who purchases a flu shot will receive a 2011 planner with a coupon book valued at more than $80.

Meijer continues to expand its pharmacy services. The new flu shot program joins several other popular Meijer pharmacy programs, including testing for full lipid profiles, simple cholesterol, liver function, hemoglobin A1C and blood glucose. Additionally, Meijer offers a free medication program, providing certain antibiotics, pre-natal vitamins and the diabetes medication metformin at no cost to customers with a prescription.

About Meijer

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 196 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As the inventor 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 electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com.

SOURCE Meijer