Vons has announced that it is offering flu vaccines at their 162 pharmacies and most of their non-pharmacy stores in southern California and southern Nevada.
Now through March 2010, or while supplies last, flu vaccines will be administered at most stores. Pharmacy stores will be giving vaccines on a walk-in basis, and most others will be conducting scheduled flu vaccine clinics. All clinics are listed on the American Lung Association’s website www.flucliniclocator.org.
“The beginning of the flu season is the best time to get vaccinated to ensure you are covered throughout the entire season,” said Vons Director of Pharmacy Paul Knerr. “Our stores and pharmacies have made it easy for everyone to protect themselves from the discomfort and inconvenience of the flu.”
While anyone wishing to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that people in the following categories get vaccinated each year:
| 1. | Children 6 months to 18 years of age; | |||
| 2. | Women who will be pregnant or breastfeeding during the influenza season; | |||
| 3. | Adults 50 years of age or older; | |||
| 4. | Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; ask your doctor; | |||
| 5. | Persons who live with, care for, or have frequent contact with persons at high risk; | |||
| 6. | Healthcare workers |
The cost of the flu vaccine is very competitive, while Medicare B participants not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can receive a flu vaccine at no charge. Vons also offers full-service adult and adolescent immunization services for the prevention of such ailments as shingles, tetanus, hepatitis, pneumococcal, meningococcal and more.
Information about stores offering the flu vaccine can be found at www.vons.com/flu or by contacting a Vons pharmacy.
Vons, a Safeway Company
Vons is a division of Safeway, Inc., a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on 2008 sales of $44.1 billion. Safeway operates 1,738 stores in the United States and western Canada, 290 of which are in southern California and southern Nevada that operate under the Vons and Pavilions banners. The company supports a broad range of charitable and community programs and in 2008, donated more than $248 million to important causes such as cancer research, education, hunger relief and programs focused on assisting people with disabilities. To learn more about Vons’ charitable giving and community involvement initiatives, go to www.vons.com.
Contacts:
Vons Public Affairs
Carlos Illingworth, 626-821-7031
carlos.illingworth@safeway.com
