Widespread Flu Activity Reported in U.S.: Albertsons Companies Pharmacies have the Vaccine

BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Flu Surveillance Report recently indicated local, regional and widespread flu activity in the United States, marking the start of the official flu season for American families. Albertsons Companies want the public to know all their pharmacies are stocked and ready to vaccinate against flu.

Each year, the CDC and other health organizations monitor flu activity and its circulation around the globe, impact of the flu strain on individuals, and effectiveness of the available vaccine. So far, these official health organizations have reported widespread flu activity in the southern U.S. and are watching it moving northward. They emphasize that while the flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, the available vaccine is still the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization.

So while customers are grocery shopping and preparing for the holiday season, they can get the flu vaccine on a "walk-in" basis without an appointment at any Albertsons Companies pharmacy, which are conveniently located within over 1,700 well-known community banner grocery stores across the U.S., including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs stores.

"During this time of year, we want families to enjoy their gatherings together and not suffer unnecessarily from something like the flu," says Mark Panzer, Albertsons Companies Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Health and Wellness. "This is why all members of our pharmacy teams are trained and ready to help provide the flu vaccine to anyone who wants it."

The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older as soon as possible. Timing is especially important because it takes about two weeks after receiving the shot for a person to be protected.

Most insurance plans cover the flu shot and other immunizations. Everyone who receives an immunization will also receive a coupon for 10% off a grocery purchase, where permitted by law.

About Albertsons Companies
Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs, as well as meal kit company Plated based in New York City. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2016 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our perspectives and expectations, are forward looking statements. The words "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, when related to the Company and its subsidiaries, indicate forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current view of management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions and factors, including general economic, market, industry and operational factors. Any changes to these assumptions or factors may lead to practical results different from current expectations. Excessive reliance should not be placed on those statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made.

Contact:Jenny Rapley
208-395-4812
jennifer.rapley@albertsons.com

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SOURCE Albertsons Companies