SEATTLE--For the first time, Bartell Drugs has launched a flu vaccination program focusing on the needs of businesses, including the sale of pre-paid vaccination cards to employers and offering on-site flu shot clinics for businesses with 25 or more employees.

Bartell’s is the exclusive Puget Sound partner with Novartis Vaccines to offer FluGram™, a pre-paid gift card that allows people to reserve influenza vaccinations before and during the influenza season. Businesses may purchase the cards for $28 (the price of a single flu shot)—allowing employees to be vaccinated at a convenient time at any of Bartell’s 56 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. The FluGram™ gift cards are valid through December 31, 2008.

Discounts are available for the FluGram cards depending on the number of employees.

Bartell’s is also offering flu shot clinics for businesses with 25 or more employees where Bartell’s trained pharmacists come to the workplace at no extra charge. Discounts are available depending on the number of employees.

“This is a way for businesses, large and small, to decrease sick time and lost productivity,” said Wade Schutze, Pharmacy District Manager at Bartell Drugs. “Getting vaccinated against influenza also helps protect those around you who may be at higher risk from complications.”

For FluGram card-holders and other individuals, Bartell’s is offering a full schedule of more than 90 in-store vaccination clinics beginning October 1. In addition to clinics, many stores are offering shots by appointment or on a walk-in basis. For more information on vaccination schedules and locations visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

For more information on Bartell’s business flu vaccination program, contact Rachel Nowak at (206) 768-7700 or email racheln@bartelldrugs.com.

About Bartell Drugs
Seattle-based Bartell Drugs owns and operates 56 stores in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Family owned for 118 years, it is the nation's oldest drugstore chain. For more information on Bartell Drugs visit www.bartelldrugs.com

Media Contacts:
Rebecca Siegmund, Assistant V.P. of Marketing
Bartell Drugs, 206.763.2626

Barry Bartlett
The Bartlett Group Public Relations
206.285-0673, barry@bartlettgrouppr.com