Safeway Administering Special Senior Flu Shots

All Safeway pharmacies in the United States are able to administer a new high-dose flu vaccine called Fluzone High-Dose that has been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use in people 65 years of age and older.

Although adults over 65 make up 15 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 65 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent of flu-related deaths, making flu vaccines for this age group critical. Fluzone High Dose contains the same components as regular-strength flu vaccine but provides a better immune response in older people.

The Pleasanton, Calif.-based grocer, which operates 1,712 stores in the United States and western Canada, is offering the vaccines on a walk-in basis at its Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Carrs, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls and Tom Thumb pharmacies while supplies last. Stores without pharmacies will hold scheduled flu vaccine clinics.

Consumers can find information about stores offering the flu vaccine at www.safeway.com/flu or by contacting a Safeway pharmacy. Those covered by Medicare Part B will receive their flu shots free.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie is also offering the high-dose flu vaccines in its 379 in-store pharmacies in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi.