Safeway to offer low-cost vaccination services

PLEASANTON, Calif. Safeway is making a strong push against vaccinations this year with a low-cost, walk-in vaccination service now through March 2010, the supermarket chain announced Wednesday.

"We estimate nearly $100 million in savings to the healthcare system through our program alone," stated David Fong, Safeway SVP Pharmacy. "We have made the process of getting a flu vaccine affordable and convenient.”

In addition to providing seasonal flu vaccines, Safeway is working with state, local and federal health authorities to obtain a supply of the vaccine to combat against the H1N1 "Swine Flu" virus. The vaccine is expected to be available in the United States in late October.Safeway is also providing an off-site flu clinic service in most states 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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts an unusually severe flu season, elevating the urgency for certain groups and demographics to receive the vaccine. This comes as the economy has forced many people to cut costs at the expense of their health. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, one in four Americans said the cost of a doctor's visit has forced them to delay health care in the past year.

Safeway also offers full-service adult and adolescent immunization services for the prevention of shingles, tetanus, hepatitis, pneumococcal, meningococcal and more. Safeway owns and operates stores under the Safeway, Vons, Dominick's, Genuardi's, Carrs, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Pak 'n Save and Pavilions banners.