Weis Markets to hold low-cost flu shot program

Sep 17 2009

Beginning this month, Weis Markets will hold more than 100 low-cost flu shot clinics in its Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia stores. In addition, as part of its WEISCARE Adult Immunization program, many Weis Markets' pharmacies will offer flu shots as an on-going service.

Weis Markets' flu shot program, which begins in September, will continue through the fall. Specific dates and times for each flu-shot clinic location are posted on the company's website at: www.weismarkets.com, as are the locations for WEISCARE Adult Immunization services, which are available by appointment and as a walk in service.

"We've improved the service and availability of our low-cost flu shot program through our pharmacies and third party providers," said Jeff Maltese, Weis Markets Vice President, Pharmacy. "Many of our pharmacists have been trained as immunizers by the American Pharmacists Association and certified by their State Board of Pharmacies, which allows us to offer flu-shots on an on-going basis, resulting in improved convenience and access."

The in-store flu shot clinics are being administered by local health groups, including a number of regional Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) chapters. Customers who are Medicare Part B eligible and bring their card will receive their shot at no cost. Receipts are available for customers who wish to submit claims to other insurance carriers.

Each year 10 to 20 percent of Americans contract the flu, with 200,000 requiring hospitalization. Flu-shots help protect most people from the flu and minimize complications for others.

The CDC recommends that the following categories of people receive flu shots:

• People who are 65 and older
• Women who are more than three months pregnant
• Individuals suffering from severe anemia
• Healthcare providers who come into contact with infected people
• Individuals suffering from acute lymphoma and leukemia
• Individuals receiving treatments which suppress the body's ability to ward off infections
• Individuals suffering from chronic diseases of the heart, kidney and lungs.

Source: http://www.weismarkets.com