Kroger urges customers to get flu shot by end of October

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of Kroger, is urging customers to get vaccinated against the flu this month to ensure protection during peak flu season.

“The first step in protecting yourself and others from the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Doug Cornelius, senior director of pharmacy operations at Kroger Health. “We are encouraging people to get their flu vaccine now to protect them throughout the holidays and the winter season, when we typically experience a spike in cases.”

[Read more: Retailers begin providing flu shots] 

Kroger noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals get vaccinated by the end of October for peak flu protection. From 2010 to 2020, the CDC estimates the flu impacted at least 9 million people annually in the United States, resulting in up to 710,000 hospitalizations each year.

Eligible customers will receive a $5 Kroger Family of Companies coupon redeemable on groceries after the flu vaccine is administered at a Kroger Family of Companies pharmacy or The Little Clinic until Nov. 5.

Both high-dose flu vaccines, which are primarily focused to provide extra protection for senior citizens, and regular dose flu vaccines are available at Kroger Family of Companies pharmacies in more than 2,200 locations and 226 The Little Clinic locations. Updated COVID-19 boosters also are available by appointment or walk-in. Vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 are safe and effective when paired together, Kroger said.

[Read more: Walmart kicks off Wellness Day for flu shots, updated COVID-19 boosters]

To learn more about flu shots, visit here. Or to make an appointment, visit here.