Supervalu Pharmacies Offer Shingles Vaccinations
Supervalu is offering shingles vaccinations at more than 800 of its in-store pharmacies within the company’s nationwide family of grocery stores, including Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy.
“Shingles can be a debilitating condition for many adults, with the risk increasing as they get older,” explained Anthony Provenzano, Supervalu pharmacy director of clinical programs. “By getting the shingles vaccine from one of our specially trained and certified immunizing pharmacists, adults can reduce their chances of developing shingles, or lessen the severity of pain and complications resulting from the illness.”
Every year, at least 1 million people in the United States develop the painful skin rash shingles, yet fewer than 10 percent of people who are most at risk of developing shingles — adults age 60 and older — have received the vaccine to prevent it. Almost one in three people in America will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“We commend Supervalu for its nationwide initiative,” said National Shingles Foundation fellow Dr. Charles Grose. “Because the possibility of developing severe chronic shingles pain is increased, particularly for the frail elderly over 80, the preventive effect of the shingles vaccine can help make a difference.”
Cost of the vaccination will vary based on the individual’s insurance coverage, but all Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover the shingles vaccine administered in Supervalu’s in-store pharmacies.
Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters, that usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from two to four weeks. It’s caused by a reappearance of the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
Minneapolis-based Supervalu operates 4,270 stores, including 820 in-store pharmacies.