Safeway offers flu, H1N1 immunizations at its pharmacies

PLEASANTON, Calif. Safeway is promoting a healthy holiday season with immunization offers at its stores.

The retailer announced Friday it is providing the seasonal flu vaccine in all of its 1,730 stores and the H1N1 flu vaccine in 17 states. Vaccines are given on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary.

“A number of factors make people more susceptible to seasonal flu and H1N1 flu during the holiday season,” said Dave Fong, SVP pharmacy. “Simply traveling to visit family could mean being in an enclosed airplane with airborne viruses. It is difficult to avoid potential exposure, but easy to lessen your chances of becoming ill by getting vaccinated.”

Safeway Pharmacies are partnering with state and county public health departments to increase the access, availability and convenience of the H1N1 vaccines to people in high-risk groups, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, in many states and counties restrictions have been lifted and anyone can be vaccinated.

Medicare Part B participants will receive the flu shots at no charge. Customers should contact their Safeway pharmacy to learn about age or other restrictions.

For more information or to find a local Safeway pharmacy that is administering the H1N1 flu vaccine, customers can call 1-877-SAFEWAY.