Meijer Pharmacy Expects to Administer 75 Percent More Flu Shots This Year Amidst Pandemic

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As flu season approaches and COVID-19 remains at the front of customers' minds, Meijer pharmacists are expecting record-breaking turnout for patients getting their flu shots over the next few weeks. The retailer expects to administer nearly double the number of flu-shot immunizations compared to last year.

"When it comes to getting your flu shot, the earlier in the season, the better," Meijer Vice President of Pharmacy Jason Beauch said. "While the flu shot will not protect against the coronavirus, getting it as soon as you can helps protect you and your family from unwanted illness and can help reduce the potential for symptoms that could be confused with COVID-19."

Beauch said the expected increase is due to a higher awareness of the need to be protected as well as a shift toward patients looking for more convenient options and flexibility. In fact, one third of flu shots provided so far this year have taken place on weekends or before/after traditional business hours. Additionally, senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions can take advantage of dedicated pharmacy hours from 7-8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All Meijer Pharmacists wear masks and follow specific protocols to disinfect all surfaces and areas where shots are administered between each patient, according to the retailer's specific COVID-19 protocol. Customers are required to wear masks during the vaccination. Meijer has also expanded most of its pharmacies during the last few years to include private consultation rooms where patients can receive their immunizations.

Customers can get a flu shot at any Meijer pharmacy location without an appointment during pharmacy hours. Customers can print their form at home and bring it with them. However, they can also complete the available form at the pharmacy or speed up their visit by scheduling their flu shot online and filling out the vaccination form on their smartphones using the retailer's new contactless texting-based pharmacy service.

Depending on age, health status and state regulations, Meijer offers a variety of vaccine options, including quadrivalent and doses for seniors. For more information on the different kinds of vaccines and the importance of the flu shot, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control.

Getting a flu shot, as well as other immunizations offered at Meijer, may also count as prescription credits in the mPerks Pharmacy Rewards Program, which allows customers to earn savings on future purchases in the store.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 253 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @Meijer and @MeijerPR or become a fan at facebook.com/meijer.

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SOURCE Meijer - a Midwestern Retailer