Albertsons Companies pharmacies introduce child vaccination services to fill critical gap in care caused by COVID-19

Rhea-AI Summary

Albertsons Companies is expanding its pharmacy services to address decreased child immunization rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pharmacies will now offer immunizations for children aged three and up without appointments at over 1,700 locations. This initiative aims to safeguard children's health by ensuring they receive necessary vaccinations, especially the flu shot, which is critical during the pandemic. Enhanced safety measures, such as mask requirements and sanitation protocols, are in place to protect patients.

Positive

• Expanded immunization services for children from age three at over 1,700 pharmacy locations.
• No appointment necessary for vaccinations, improving accessibility for families.
• Increased focus on child wellness during the pandemic aligns with public health needs.

Negative

• Reduced routine well-child appointments may lead to long-term declines in vaccination rates.

BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Albertsons Companies pharmacies nationwide are stepping up to fill a gap in child wellness services created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children typically receive important immunizations – including the annual flu vaccine – at regular well-child visits with their primary care physician. Due to challenges posed by the pandemic, those visits have decreased. With the support of a declaration by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Albertsons Cos. pharmacies are expanding their immunization practice to serve children as young as three years old.

“COVID has disrupted normal life in so many ways,” said Brian Hille, VP Patient Care Services and Specialty. “Another consequence is the difficulty in making routine well-child appointments, which threatens to decrease child vaccination rates. Our pharmacy teams are dedicated to the health and wellness of the communities they serve and are ready to provide this important health protection to a precious population – our children.”

Prior to administering a vaccine, an Albertsons Cos. pharmacist will review the child’s vaccine history through the state’s immunization registry. All doses that are administered will be reported to the child’s primary care provider and the state registry. The pharmacist will also ensure that the child’s parent or guardian understands that a well-child visit is still an important aspect of preventative care.

No appointment is necessary for this new service. Flu and other vaccines can be administered on a “walk-in” basis at more than 1,700 Albertsons Cos. pharmacy locations, including those in Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs stores.

Flu vaccine available now

Preventing against influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic is especially important – both to avoid getting other infections at the same time and reducing the burden on an already strained health care system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraging flu and other vaccinations this year to stay healthy and minimize the strain on our national health systems. Albertsons Cos. pharmacies are stocked with flu vaccine and are ready to safely administer flu shots to help safeguard our communities.

The flu is a contagious disease that typically spreads in the United States between October and May through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.

People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions, and individuals ages 65 and up.

Important safety precautions in the pharmacy

Albertsons Cos. pharmacies have taken heightened precautions to help keep patients who visit the pharmacy safe and protected while they pick up their prescriptions, receive immunizations, or consult with a pharmacist:

• Customers are required to wear masks in Albertsons Cos. stores
• Pharmacy staff all wear masks, gloves, and have Plexiglas dividers at the pharmacy counter
• Wellness rooms are regularly sanitized and cleaned in between patients
• Social distancing signs mark waiting areas, with hand sanitizer available at all touch points
• Flu vaccine recipients will be pre-screened for COVID-19 symptoms

In addition, Albertsons Cos. pharmacists are available to help consult with patients about their specific health conditions and recommend the appropriate formulation of flu vaccine for each member of their family. For other organizations, Albertsons Cos. can also offer flu clinics on-site to ensure all employees have access to the flu vaccine.

The flu shot is free with most insurance plans, so there is usually no co-payment unless required by the plan. Everyone who receives an immunization will also receive a coupon for 10% off their next grocery purchase, where permitted by law.

More information about the importance of a flu vaccine is available at the websites below.

• www.albertsons.com/flu
• www.safeway.com/flu
• www.vons.com/flu
• www.randalls.com/flu
• www.tomthumb.com/flu
• www.jewelosco.com/flu
• www.acmemarkets.com/flu
• www.shaws.com/flu
• www.starmarket.com/flu
• www.carrsqc.com/flu
• www.pavilions.com/flu

About Albertsons Companies
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. The company operates stores across 34 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. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2019 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company gave $225 million in food and financial support. In 2020, the Company made a $53 million commitment to community hunger relief efforts and a $5 million commitment to organizations supporting social justice. These efforts have helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, social justice and programs for people with disabilities and veterans' outreach.

Andrew Whelan
Albertsons Companies
Andrew.Whelan@albertsons.com

FAQ

What new immunization services are offered by Albertsons Companies for children?

Albertsons Companies is now offering immunizations for children as young as three years old at over 1,700 pharmacy locations across the U.S.

Why are Albertsons pharmacies expanding their immunization services?

The expansion addresses decreased vaccination rates for children due to reduced well-child visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is an appointment necessary for vaccinations at Albertsons pharmacies?

No appointment is necessary; parents can bring their children for vaccinations on a walk-in basis.

What safety precautions are in place at Albertsons pharmacies during vaccinations?

Albertsons pharmacies require masks, use Plexiglas dividers, and regularly sanitize wellness rooms to ensure patient safety.

What is the importance of flu vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic according to Albertsons?

Flu vaccinations help prevent additional infections and reduce the burden on the healthcare system, which is already strained due to the pandemic.