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SEATTLE--Bartell Drugs is launching an extensive vaccination program as the flu season approaches--including a full schedule of in-store vaccinations, pre-paid FluGramä cards and a new program targeting businesses.
The 56-store chain begins a full schedule of more than 90 in-store vaccination clinics October 1. In addition to clinics, many stores are offering shots by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Cost for the shots is $28 and Medicare Part B is accepted. For more information on vaccination schedules and locations see www.bartelldrugs.com or visit a Bartell’s location.
Bartell’s is also the exclusive Puget Sound partner with Novartis Vaccines to offer FluGramä, a pre-paid gift card that allows people to reserve influenza vaccinations before and during the influenza season. With FluGram, purchasers can help protect their family, friends and employees against influenza. FluGram gift cards are available for $28 at all Bartell Drugs’ locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.
“The FluGram program helps those who might not ordinarily seek an influenza vaccination on their own,” said George D. Bartell, chairman and CEO of the Seattle-based drugstore chain. “With the flu season fast approaching, a vaccination is the best defense against this contagious virus.”
The FluGram program is designed to make influenza vaccination more convenient and accessible. Vaccinations will be administered by Bartell pharmacists between October 1, and December 31.The FluGram gift card reserves an influenza vaccination for adults (and children ages 14-17 with parent approval) and is valid through December 31, 2008. FluGram gift cards can be purchased while supplies last.
For the first time, Bartell’s has launched a flu vaccination program for businesses and groups. Employers may take advantage of the FluGram program, providing the pre-paid vaccination cards to employees and allowing them to visit a Bartell’s location on their own. Bartell’s has also implemented a “turn-key,” on-site flu shot clinics for groups of 25 or more, including businesses and senior facilities, where Bartell’s trained pharmacists come to the workplace. 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 more information on Bartell’s business flu vaccination program, contact Rachel Nowak at (206) 768-7700 or email racheln@bartelldrugs.com.
For more information on how to help prevent influenza, visit www.FluSource.com
About Influenza
Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although October and November are the recommended months for vaccination, a vaccination given later in the season (December through March) can still help protect you from influenza. Many people confuse influenza with the common cold, but in fact, it is potentially a much more serious illness. An average of 36,000 US residents die each year from influenza and its complications. An estimated 200,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. as a result of influenza.
Influenza can easily spread from person to person. Adults can spread the influenza virus beginning one day before they feel sick and continue to be contagious for five days after symptoms start.Influenza vaccination is recommended for people, including school-age children, who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected.
Getting vaccinated against influenza helps protect those around you including those who may be at higher risk for complications. The elderly and young children are just two of the groups considered at increased risk for complications from influenza, but influenza vaccination can be given to anyone over the age of six months (influenza vaccines are not currently approved for children under six months of age).
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
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