PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday began making it easier for individuals to protect themselves against this year’s strain of influenza by offering flu vaccines on a “walk-in” basis at Safeway pharmacies and through scheduled flu vaccine clinics at most other Safeway stores.
Safeway is also providing an off-site flu clinic service for businesses, senior centers and nursing homes that choose to provide their employees or residents with the convenience of receiving a flu vaccine where they work or live.
“We have made the process of getting a flu vaccine affordable and convenient. Individuals have no reason to go unprotected this flu season nor should businesses risk lost productivity due to a sick workforce,” said Gary Rocheleau, Safeway senior vice president of pharmacy in a press statement.
In the coming weeks, all Safeway pharmacies will be administering a high-dose flu vaccine called Fluzone High-Dose which has been approved by the FDA for use in people 65 years of age and older. Adults above the age of 65 comprise 15% of the U.S. population, but account for 65% of flu-related hospitalizations and 90% of flu-related deaths. Fluzone High Dose contains the same components as regular strength flu vaccine but provides a superior immune response in people 65 years of age and older.
Medicare Part B participants will receive the flu shots at no charge.
