As the flu season is upon us, Safeway and Albertsons pharmacy teams are available now to administer flu vaccines. Appointments can be made online today via the Safeway and Albertsons app or website. During these appointments, pharmacists can also administer additional vaccines, including those for COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, HPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is approved for eligible adults ages 60 and up.
Vaccines are essential in helping prevent the transmission of viruses to help protect family members, friends and neighbors from severe illness, particularly those who are most vulnerable to respiratory disease.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with few exceptions, receive an updated flu vaccine to minimize the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. According to the CDC, September and October are the optimal months for most people to get vaccinated but earlier flu vaccination in August is recommended for the following groups:
- Pregnant people who are in their third trimester can get a flu vaccine in August to protect their babies from flu after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.
- Children requiring two doses of the flu vaccine should receive their first dose as soon as it becomes available. The second dose should be administered at least four weeks after the first.
- Vaccination can be considered for children who have health care visits this month if there might not be another opportunity to vaccinate them.
- Adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, as well as pregnant individuals in their first and second trimesters who may not be able to be vaccinated in September or October.
he Safeway Albertsons pharmacy team is experienced in administering flu vaccinations and committed to making the process as seamless as possible. Pharmacists are also available to support individuals and families who may not have immediate access to a physician by addressing clinical-related questions, assisting customers in making informed healthcare decisions, offering consultations on vaccination history and recommending additional vaccinations that can be administered at the same time to ensure immunizations are up to date.
- For every immunization administered at a Safeway or Albertsons pharmacy, recipients will receive a coupon eligible for 10 percent off their next grocery purchase up to $200, and access to a free digital vaccine record. (Terms apply.)
Flu vaccinations are available at all Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies by appointment or walk-in. Most locations offer convenient evening and weekend hours.
Customers can schedule appointments for up to five immunizations at once using Safeway and Albertsons online scheduler, available on the grocer’s app or website. The scheduler can also sort and recommend age-appropriate vaccines.
