NEW YORK — Food and drug retailers Publix Super Markets Inc. and United Supermarkets this week said they’re set to launch their respective flu vaccination programs in the coming days.
Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix plans to kick off its flu immunization program in stores this month. The flu shots are slated to be available in all 823 Publix Pharmacy locations.
The Southeastern supermarket chain said that the flu vaccines, which cost $25, will be administered by trained Publix pharmacists and/or Little Clinic in-store health clinics.
"Flu clinics are an extension of the services our pharmacies provide to our customers as a convenient and affordable way to receive their vaccinations," stated Maria Brous, Publix’s director of media and community relations. "At Publix, our pharmacies are dedicated to building relationships with our customers and their families for total health and wellness all year long."
Overall, Publix operates 1,022 supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.
Meanwhile, Lubbock, Texas-based United Supermarkets is scheduled to begin offering flu shots at its food-and-drug combo stores on Sept. 1.
The retailer said all of its 43 pharmacy locations will be providing flu immunizations, and many locations also will be carrying FluMist, a nasal vaccine indicated for people ages 2 to 49.
Both the flu injection and FluMist will offer protection for the seasonal flu and last year’s H1N1 virus, the supermarket operator noted. "Without question, the best way to prevent the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine," commented Tim Purser, business director of pharmacy for United Supermarkets.
United Supermarkets has 50 stores in northern and western Texas under the banners United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos United.
