BI-LO Offers Health Giveaways With Flu Vaccinations, Encourages Community To Shield Their Health This Flu Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To encourage people to protect their health during the fall and winter season, BI-LO is continuing its "Shield Yourself" campaign with flu prevention giveaways Oct. 24 – 30.  During that time, BI-LO BONUSCARD® members who receive an in-store flu vaccine at any of the grocer's in-store pharmacies can also receive the following flu prevention items*:    

• 64 oz. Southern Home® concentrate orange juice
• 35 ct. Domestix disinfectant wipes
• 160 ct. Southern Home facial tissue
• 8 oz. Top Care® hand sanitizer

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121024/CL99725 )

The flu vaccine program offers three different options for this year's influenza vaccine to help shield customers from the flu.  Customers can choose from the standard vaccination, a high-dose vaccine recommended for those 65 and older, or an intradermal flu vaccination administered with a microneedle that is 90 percent smaller than traditional needles.  These vaccine options may not be offered at all pharmacy locations.  Customers should ask their local pharmacy about the availability of adult and pediatric vaccines.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a yearly vaccination provides the best protection throughout flu season.  It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.  That's why it's better to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

"The CDC recommends that all people age six months and older should be vaccinated against the flu," said John Fegan, vice president of pharmacy for BI-LO. "We offer BI-LO customers quick and easy options to receive vaccines while they do their grocery shopping.  The health and wellness deal offered with vaccines serves as an important tool for our shoppers to prevent the flu for themselves, their families and the community."

Customers can secure a flu shot in any BI-LO in-store pharmacy on a walk-in basis and choose from the following vaccine options:

The flu vaccinations are covered by most insurance plans, including Tri-Care and Medicare.  There is no out-of-pocket expense for guests with Medicare Part B coverage.

Additionally, Fegan noted that BI-LO pharmacists recommend washing your hands frequently; wiping down telephones, remote controls, and doorknobs with disinfectant; and keeping tissues handy to stop the spread of viruses.

* Limit one offer per transaction with BI-LO BONUSCARD.  Complimentary BONUSCARDs are available at all BI-LO customer service desks.  No purchase necessary.

About BI-LO Pharmacy
From medication counseling to immunizations and more, BI-LO pharmacists provide vital wellness services that stretch far beyond filling prescriptions.

About BI-LO
BI-LO is a subsidiary of BI-LO Holding, which is the ninth-largest traditional supermarket chain in the United States. Under the banner names of BI-LO and Winn-Dixie, the company employs 63,000 team members who serve customers in 687 grocery stores and 493 in-store pharmacies throughout the eight southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. BI-LO and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and loyal team members, and strong commitments to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, please visit www.bi-lo.com and www.winn-dixie.com.

SOURCE BI-LO