Meijer Pharmacies Offering Immunization Clinics at 235 Stores Across Midwest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer pharmacies across the Midwest are holding Back to School Immunization Events this weekend to help families guard against the flu before classes start. Pharmacists in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky will offer vaccinations and information about other avoidable conditions that commonly affect school children at all 235 Meijer stores on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Meijer Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Karen Mankowski says the goal of the events is to remind parents that back to school is the perfect time to give their kids a flu shot and minimize the spread of seasonal influenza. While every flu season is different, it’s the best way to keep families healthy at a time when viruses are most prevalent.

“Most people believe the best time to get a flu shot is when the weather gets colder,” says Mankowski. “But getting a flu shot before or soon after school starts can make a big difference. Once classes start, that’s when viruses become, well, viral, and it becomes difficult to keep influenza from spreading.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it can take approximately two weeks before flu vaccinations begin protecting from the seasonal virus. Flu outbreaks can begin as early as October.

Meijer operates 235 pharmacies in its supercenters throughout the Midwest, all of which administer the vaccine without an appointment during pharmacy hours and accept most major insurance plans. Most insurance covers the flu shot at the pharmacy without co-pay. Depending on age, health status and state regulations, Meijer offers a variety of vaccine options including:

• Trivalent vaccine: Vaccines injected in the arm for $29.99. Note that limited quantities are available as manufacturers are phasing out this three-strain version of the vaccine.
• Quadrivalent vaccine: A vaccine that covers four strains and is recommended for 4 years of age and up.
• HD vaccine: This is the high dose version indicated for 65 years of age and older that is typically covered by Medicare Part B.

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 shopping and gas purchases. See program details for restrictions.

“There is no expiration date in receiving a flu shot, so the sooner you get your flu shot, the better chance you have of staying healthy this flu season,” reminds Mankowski.