Convenient and Affordable Flu Shots Available Now at Safeway; Recipients Receive 10% off on Groceries with Each Vaccine

PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Safeway is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to health and wellness this fall by offering convenient and affordable flu shots on a "walk-in" basis at all Safeway Pharmacy locations. Shots are administered by Safeway Pharmacists, who have collectively administered more than 5 million doses of the flu vaccine over the past decade.  Safeway's knowledgeable pharmacy staff can also provide further tips for flu prevention and patient care as well as a full suite of other immunizations.

"Safeway Pharmacists are committed to caring for their patients' health in myriad ways, ranging from immunizations and medication management to counseling patients on health and wellness," said Darren Singer, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy, Health and Wellness at Safeway. "Safeway strives to be a one-stop shop for our customers, particularly those who are mindful of their health and who want to take the necessary steps in their lives to stay healthy, such as getting immunized every flu season."

Each individual receiving a flu shot at a Safeway Pharmacy will receive a 10 percent off coupon that can be used toward their next grocery purchase. This is especially helpful for Safeway shoppers during the flu season, as they can apply this discount toward the purchase of nutritious foods and other items that help keep their families healthy.

This year, the flu vaccine contains a different strain of the flu virus from the previous two years. The 2012 flu shot will protect against the H1N1 (California), H3N2 (Victoria) and Influenza B (Wisconsin) viruses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stresses that individuals should get vaccinated annually to maximize their protection against the flu.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get their yearly flu vaccination as soon as the vaccine becomes available. In addition, to avoid the risk of flu-related complications, the CDC stresses the importance of annual flu shots for people with chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, COPD, or immunosuppressive conditions. Safeway Pharmacy has a full range of flu vaccines available, including a high dose that is targeted to ages 65 and older. Patients should consult their pharmacist to determine the best vaccine delivery method for them.   

Flu shots are conveniently available at all Safeway Pharmacy locations during normal business hours, seven days a week, on a walk-in basis. No appointments are required, and no prescription is necessary. For more information on stores offering the flu vaccine, customers can go to www.safeway.com/flu or contact their local Safeway store.

About Safeway

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,666 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $43.6 billion in 2011. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY. www.Safeway.com

SOURCE Safeway Inc.