Meijer Pharmacies Offering Immunization Clinics at 235 Stores Across Midwest

Retailer offering vaccines this weekend to help kids and adults guard against flu season before it starts

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Aug 10, 2017, 10:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer pharmacies across the Midwest are holding Back to School Immunization Events this weekend to help families guard against the flu before classes start. Pharmacists in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky will offer vaccinations and information about other avoidable conditions that commonly affect school children at all 235 Meijer stores on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Meijer Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Karen Mankowski says the goal of the events are to remind parents why getting flu shots before kids go back to school is the perfect time to minimize the spread of seasonal influenza. While every flu season is different, it's the best way to keep families healthy at a time when viruses are most prevalent.

"Most people believe the best time to get a flu shot is when the weather gets colder," says Mankowski. "But getting a flu shot before or soon after school starts can make a big difference. Once classes start, that's when viruses become, well, viral, and it becomes difficult to keep influenza from spreading."

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it can take approximately two weeks before flu vaccinations begin protecting us from the seasonal virus. Flu outbreaks can begin as early as October.

Meijer operates 235 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. Most insurances cover the flu shot at the pharmacy without a co-pay. Depending on age, health status and state regulations, Meijer offers a variety of vaccine options including:

Trivalent vaccine: Vaccines injected in the arm for $29.99. Note that limited quantities available as manufacturers are phasing out this three-strain version of the vaccine.
Quadrivalent vaccine: A vaccine that covers four strains and recommended for 4 years of age and up.
HD vaccine: This is the high dose version indicated for 65 years of age and older that is typically covered by Medicare Part B.

Getting a flu shot, as well as other immunizations offered at Meijer, may also count as prescription credits in the mPerks Pharmacy Rewards Program, which allows customers to earn savings on shopping and gas purchases. See program details for restrictions.

"There is no expiration date in receiving a flu shot, so the sooner you get your flu shot, the better chance you have of staying healthy this flu season," reminds Mankowski.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. 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 facebook.com/meijer.