Bartell Drugs rolls out flu vaccination program

SEATTLE A regional retail pharmacy chain has launched an “extensive” flu vaccination program in its stores.

Bartell Drugs, a 56-store chain based in Seattle, announced Wednesday that it would open more than 100 in-store seasonal flu vaccination clinics in its stores, as well as shots offered by appointment or on a walk-in basis.

“While there has been a great deal of attention focused on the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ virus, seasonal flu viruses remain a major cause of hospitalization and death each year,” Bartell pharmacy district manager Wade Schutze said in a statement. “Because of the dangers and complications it can have in the elderly, children and people with health problems, the perception of seasonal flu severity is changing.”

The company also said it would support state, local and federal health programs to administer an H1N1 vaccine when it became available.

In other news, Bartell opened its 56th store, in Mill Creek, Wash., on Monday.