To provide greater access to flu vaccines, Kroger Columbus implements new digital tools and drive-thru Flu Shot Center at the Ohio State Fairgrounds and Expo Center on Saturday, September 19th
Westerville, Ohio, September 9, 2020 – Kroger Columbus supported by Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., today announced a comprehensive flu shot program, designed to help local customers get their recommended vaccines amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes touchless in-store appointments and drive thru vaccinations center at the Ohio State Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Columbus on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All flu shot appointments can be booked online (search zip code 43211 to schedule for the drive-thru flu shot center).
“With so many health facilities already overburdened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for all Americans to get a flu shot,” said Steve Burson, Columbus division Health and Wellness Merchandiser. “At our COVID-19 drive-thru test sites, we were able to assist thousands of people in getting a test in a short amount of time. By using that model to provide flu shots, we hope to provide more customers with a safe, convenient option to get vaccinated.”
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that during an average flu season, 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from the flu, with an average of 500,000 flu-related hospitalizations. Since March, more than 370,000 Americans have already been hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, marking the potential for a significant burden on the already taxed healthcare system. In addition, according to symptom lists published by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of COVID 19 and the flu are similar, which may create the potential for confusion, anxiety, and loss of productivity as schools and businesses work through their COVID-19 plans and protocols.
“It will be very difficult for people to determine the difference between flu symptoms and COVID-19,” continued Burson. “That’s why it’s so important for Americans to get a flu shot this year. It not only has been proven to help protect against the flu but may also help reduce misidentification as COVID-19.”
To receive a flu shot, customers and associates can make an appointment online. They can also complete their pre-visit paperwork online to reduce contact and promote physical distancing, and many insurance companies cover the flu shot with no co-pay.
***
Kroger Health is also helping employers address both COVID-19 and the flu via its COVIDCare Plus program, which includes an FDA-authorized COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit and additional services such as vaccine clinics, telehealth, and screening programs for personalized health management. Learn more at krogerhealth.com.
Media Assets: To download flu shot photography, visit here.
-30-
About Kroger Health:
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., is one of America’s leading retail healthcare organizations, with over 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics (called The Little Clinic) in 35 states serving more than 14 million customers. Our team of 22,000 healthcare practitioners – from pharmacists and nurse practitioners, to dietitians and technicians – are committed to helping people live healthier lives. We believe in practicing at the top of our licenses and enabling “food as medicine” to help prevent and manage chronic disease. We are dedicated to providing testing and wellness services to help Americans combat the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more at www.krogerhealth.com.
Contact:
Amy McCormick, Corporate Affairs Manager, 614-898-3256