For Immediate Release: September 1, 2011 Contact: Eddie Owens, APR, Director of Communications, United Supermarkets
(office 806.788.4863; cell 806.928.0462); eowens@unitedtexas.com
United Supermarkets Pharmacies to Offer Flu Vaccine
Beginning Sept. 1
LUBBOCK, Texas – Contrary to popular belief, it’s flu season already, and the pharmacy teams at United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos United are set once again to keep guests healthy. Flu vaccinations will be available at all 43 of the company’s United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos United pharmacy locations beginning Sept. 1.Top of Page
“It’s a common misconception that you should wait until October or November to get the vaccination,” said Tim Purser, business director of pharmacy for United Supermarkets, LLC. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the vaccination as soon as it is available, and it is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older.”
Many United locations will also carry FluMist®, a nasal vaccine indicated for persons between 2 and 49 years of age. Guests should check with their local pharmacy for FluMist® availability.
“We know health and wellness are extremely important to our guests and their families, and we want to help protect them with preventative care before the start of the cold and flu season,” Purser said. “In addition to flu shots, United offers a number of immunizations and services in our pharmacies to help keep guests healthy.”
This year, flu shots can be purchased for $25 and FluMist® for $30. All United pharmacy locations will file Medicare claims on behalf of Medicare Part B-eligible guests.
As an incentive for prevention, registered Smart Rewards program members at the company’s six Dallas-Fort Worth area Market Street stores will receive points for out-of-pocket expenditures when purchasing a flu vaccine.
Additionally, the United Supermarkets Pharmacy Clinical Services division will offer vaccination clinics to local businesses, where the pharmacy team will come directly to the business facility to minimize inconvenience and time away from the office. Businesses can check with their local United Supermarkets, Market Street or Amigos United pharmacy or visit www.unitedtexas.com/pharmacy/ for more details.
Even with a flu shot, persons should be extra cautious to help protect themselves and their families from the virus, Purser said. Below are five easy ways to help you stay healthy this flu season.
1. Wash your hands often People often catch colds and the flu by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with a virus.
2. Routinely disinfect surfaces with soap and water (including toys) It may also help to wipe surfaces with paper towels that can be thrown away or cloth towels that can be washed.
3. Practice "cough etiquette" Turn your head and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Coughing or sneezing onto your hands will spread germs to everything you touch.
4. Use a reusable water bottle Avoid using public water fountains, which may become contaminated with germs, especially during cold and flu season.
5. Avoid close contact with people when you are ill.
Don’t go to work, school, daycare, etc., if you are ill with the flu. Stay home and rest.
For more information on available vaccinations, contact the United Supermarkets pharmacy department at (888) 791-0220 or find the pharmacy location nearest you at www.unitedtexas.com/storelocator/.
About United Supermarkets
Now in its 95th year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC, is a Texas-based, familyowned grocery chain with stores in 30 markets across north and west Texas. A self-distributing company with its headquarters in Lubbock and distribution centers in Lubbock and Roanoke, United currently operates 51 stores under four distinct formats: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos United and United Express.