Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) is reminding consumers to protect themselves against both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu during the holidays. Safeway is providing the seasonal flu vaccine in all of its 1,730 stores and the H1N1 flu vaccine in 17 states. Vaccines are given on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary.
“A number of factors make people more susceptible to seasonal flu and H1N1 flu during the holiday season,” said Dave Fong, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy. “Simply traveling to visit family could mean being in an enclosed airplane with airborne viruses. It is difficult to avoid potential exposure, but easy to lessen your chances of becoming ill by getting vaccinated.”
Customers can stop in to any Safeway pharmacy for a seasonal flu shot. The H1N1 shot is available at most Safeway pharmacies in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington State
- Washington D.C.
- Wyoming
Safeway Pharmacies are partnering with state and county public health departments to increase the access, availability and convenience of the H1N1 vaccines to people in high-risk groups, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports that people in the following groups have increased susceptibility and should receive the H1N1 vaccine.
| - | Pregnant women | |
| - | Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age | |
| - | Health care and emergency medical services personnel | |
| - | People six months to 24 years of age | |
| - | Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of | |
| medical complications from influenza |
However, in many states and counties restrictions have been lifted and anyone can be vaccinated.
Medicare Part B participants will receive the flu shots at no charge. Customers should contact their Safeway pharmacy to learn about age or other restrictions.
For more information or to find a local Safeway pharmacy that is administering the H1N1 flu vaccine, customers can call 1-877-SAFEWAY.
ABOUT SAFEWAY www.Safeway.com
Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,730 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $44.1 billion in 2008. The company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY. Safeway supports a broad range of charitable and community programs and in 2008 donated more than $248 million to important causes, such as cancer research, education and hunger relief.
Contacts:
Teena Massingill, 925-467-3810
Teena.Massingill@Safeway.com
