Safeway Pharmacies Ready to Protect Communities with Traditional and High Dose (HD) Flu Vaccines

PLEASANTON, Calif., Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY), a retail sector leader in health and wellness, is continuing its commitment to the health of its customers by offering traditional and High Dose (HD) vaccines nationwide. In addition, those who get a flu vaccine will receive a 10% off coupon to be used on an entire shopping trip.

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The company's goal is to inspire its customers and communities to take an important step to protect against an illness that, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), affects 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year.

"We have always made the process of getting a flu vaccine affordable and convenient. Now, we're giving an extra incentive to protect against a very common, very infectious illness," said Darren Singer, Safeway Senior Vice President of Pharmacy. "We especially want to protect those most at risk. For seniors, the Fluzone HD offers a better immune response and better protection against flu."

Select Safeway locations also have the new Quadrivalent FluMist intranasal vaccine, which is suitable for healthy patients ages 5 through 49.

The CDC recommends that all people aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine.  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.

Flu shots are conveniently available at all Safeway Pharmacy locations during normal business hours, seven days a week, on a walk-in basis. No appointment is required, and no prescription is necessary.

Immunizations are administered by Safeway pharmacists who collectively have given more than 5 million vaccines over the past decade. The 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 type of vaccine for them. The knowledgeable pharmacy staff can also provide further tips for flu prevention and patient care, as well as a full suite of other immunizations.

For more information on stores offering the flu vaccine, customers can go to http://www.safeway.com/flu or contact their local Safeway store.

ABOUT SAFEWAYwww.Safeway.com
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 1,415 stores in the United States and had annual sales of $44.2 billion in 2012.  The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

SOURCE Safeway Inc.