Kroger Health Pharmacies in Idaho and Michigan Add Strep Throat and Flu Testing to Service Offerings

CINCINNATI, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kroger Health pharmacies in Idaho and Michigan are expanding their service offerings. Effective immediately, patients can see a pharmacist at a Kroger Health pharmacy for rapid strep throat and flu testing. Patients can now stop by the pharmacy – no appointment necessary – where a pharmacist will evaluate symptoms of flu-like illness or sore-throat, medical history, and conduct an examination. As part of this service, the pharmacist may perform a nasal swab or throat swab collection for a rapid diagnostic test screening for influenza or Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat). If indicated, pharmacists can also prescribe and supply the appropriate treatment during that same visit, helping decrease the length, severity, and spread of illness.

"We've worked very hard over the past few years to simplify healthcare, and make it more accessible to people," said Colleen Lindholz, President, Kroger Health. "We know that people need more affordable and convenient ways to ensure their families stay healthy, and this program in Michigan and Idaho is a new way we can help. Whenever we can help people live healthier lives, we're going to go above and beyond to make that happen." 

104 Michigan and 15 Idaho Kroger Health pharmacies will be joining providers at The Little Clinic with the ability to provide this service. In preparation of this service, approximately 250 Kroger Health pharmacists received specialized training that allows them to provide strep throat and flu testing at their pharmacies and prescribe medication, if deemed necessary. Individuals interested in obtaining a flu or strep throat test should contact their local Kroger Health pharmacy to confirm availability and eligibility. Certain restrictions apply.

"Our pharmacists practice at the top of their licenses," said Jim Kirby, Senior Director, Kroger Health Services, Kroger Health. "That enables them to provide a host of services that most people wouldn't expect - but would definitely appreciate - from a community pharmacy. Customers, who may or may not have a primary care physician, can stop by our pharmacy for testing and consultations while they are doing their grocery shopping. That bit of ease goes a long way when you aren't feeling well."

About Kroger Health:

Kroger Health, the healthcare arm of The Kroger Co., is one of America's leading retail healthcare organizations, with over 2,000 pharmacies and 200 clinics in 35 states serving more than 14 million customers. Our team of 22,000 healthcare practitioners - from pharmacists and nurse practitioners, to dietitians and technicians - help simplify healthcare by providing solutions that combine health, wellness, and nutrition, connecting with customers on an emotional and personal level. We're also pioneering new work to help drive food as medicine in order to prevent illness before it starts. Learn more at www.krogerhealth.com.

About The Kroger Co.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

SOURCE Kroger Health