Giant Food, Stop & Shop prepare for flu season with vaccinations at all pharmacies

With the CDC urging everyone six months and older to get a vaccination in advance of the 2020 flu season, grocery chains Stop & Shop and Giant Food are making flu shots available at more than 400 in-store pharmacy locations across the Northeast.

Stop & Shop, with more than 250 pharmacies, and Giant Food, with 155, are both part of the Ahold Dehaize USA family of supermarket banners that also includes The Giant Co., Hannaford and Food Lion.

“Stop & Shop is ready to take care of its communities this flu season,” said Katie Thornell, director of pharmacy at Stop & Shop.  “We are well-stocked and offer immunizations without appointments. While prices associated with vaccinations are dependent upon customers’ insurance plans, most end up being low or no-cost.  Stop & Shop aims to make it easy for everyone to get the care they need this fall.”

Stop & Shop customers receiving the flu vaccine will be required to wear face covering, and pharmacists will be equipped with masks, gloves and face shields.

The Quincy, Mass.-based chain is taking extensive health and safety precautions at its pharmacies and has secured additional stock of the flu vaccine, anticipating higher demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stop & Shop has enhanced its health and safety protocols for vaccinations at all of its pharmacies. Customers will also be required to wear face covering, and pharmacists will be equipped with masks, gloves and face shields. The immunization area will have strict disinfecting and sanitization measures in place between each patient.

Related:Kroger brings COVID-19 testing to all Little Clinics

Stop & Shop offers several types of flu vaccines and its licensed, trained and trusted pharmacists can help each patient select the type that is best for them to address any concerns about allergies, preservatives, or potential adverse effects. Stop & Shop pharmacies also have an ample supply of shingles and pneumonia vaccines available, and customers should consult their local Stop & Shop pharmacist on all other immunizations that may be available and valuable to them and their families.

As part of Giant's ongoing effort to support the well-being of customers, all customers receiving their flu shots will be offered complimentary vaccination reviews.

Meanwhile, Giant Food of Landover, Md., announced on Monday that flu shots are once again available at all of its in-store pharmacies for both adults and children. The vaccinations will be administered by Giant's certified in-store pharmacists, require no appointment and are often covered in-full by most insurance plans.

"COVID-19 has presented challenges that we have not encountered before, and medical professionals around the world advise that getting your annual flu shot is of vital importance to your health and wellness during this global pandemic," said Paul Zvaleny, Giant Food director of pharmacy operations. "Giant welcomes everyone to come speak to one of our specially trained, dedicated pharmacists about flu shots and other adult immunizations, because it is never too early to take preventative measures to stay healthy, and we are happy to offer the flu shot as well as tetanus, pneumonia, shingles and many more vaccinations."

Related:Giant, SpartanNash boost COVID-19 safety for pharmacy immunizations

Standard flu shots as well as the high-dose flu vaccine for customers over the age of 64 are available. Pharmacists can recommend and administer the appropriate immunizations based on specific patient needs. 

As part of Giant's ongoing effort to support the well-being of customers, all customers receiving their flu shots will be offered complimentary vaccination reviews. These short questionnaires, facilitated by Giant's certified in-store pharmacists, are designed to determine if you are missing any recommended vaccinations.