Albertsons boosts vaccine services

Albertsons Cos. is investing in technology, vaccine inventory and patient services to increase immunization access and personalized care at more than 1,700 pharmacy locations.

Pharmacy associates across the grocery giant’s banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs are now administering flu vaccines, as well as the FDA- and CDC-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 boosters.

Pharmacy enhancements and incentives include:

• Flu season: The Quadrivalent flu vaccine, Flublok and Fluzone HD are available. The flu shot is free with most insurance providers.
• COVID-19 bivalent vaccines: The reformulated boosters from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech target both the original virus and omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. The vaccines, along with antigen tests, are available at no cost based on eligibility.
• COVID-19 therapeutic: Select pharmacies are administering Evusheld, a long-acting monoclonal antibody combination authorized for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 for certain high-risk individuals. Evusheld is provided by the federal government at no cost. Some insurance plans will cover the administration fee, including Medicare Part B.
• Other key immunizations: Pharmacists can co-administer additional vaccines at each appointment including shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, and HPV.

• Appointments: Customers can now book appointments for up to five immunizations together using the company’s online scheduler, available on the grocer’s app or website. The scheduler is also able to sort and recommend vaccines that are relevant by age.

• Walk-ins: Most Albertsons Cos.’ pharmacies offer convenient evening and weekend hours and will be staffed to accommodate short wait times and “walk-in” appointments.
• Free consultations: Pharmacists are available to discuss clinical-related questions with customer,s and will offer consultations on vaccination history and recommend co-administrations to bring key immunizations up to date.
• Drive-up clinics: Vaccines may be administered from customers’ cars at participating pharmacy locations.

• Remote services: Local Albertsons pharmacists are available to set up and staff vaccine clinics at schools, nursing homes, companies and other organizations.

• Savings incentive: For every immunization received at an Albertsons Cos.’ pharmacy, recipients will receive a coupon eligible for 10% off their next grocery purchase up to $200, and access to a free digital vaccine record.

“Our pharmacy teams are partners in community health, and preparations for this year’s cold and flu season underscore an unwavering commitment to our customers’ well-being,” said Omer Gajial, chief digital officer and executive VP of health at Albertsons Cos. “We have administered nearly 14 million COVID-19 vaccines to patients across the country, and we are enhancing the experience this year with specialized scheduling tools and pharmacy care. We know vaccines are one of the best ways to keep families healthy this winter, and these enhancements are designed to make it easy for everyone to receive the right vaccinations in a single appointment.”

[Read more: Albertsons streamlines consumer access to COVID-19 services]

As of June 18, 2022, Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons operated 2,273 retail food and drug stores with 1,720 pharmacies, 402 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets, and Balducci's Food Lovers Market.