Sponsored By

Albertsons Cos. pharmacies begin vaccinations for young children

Food and drug retailer aims to fill health care gap caused by pandemic

Russell Redman

September 3, 2020

2 Min Read
Albertsons supermarket pharmacy dept.jpg
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declaration now enables Albertsons Cos. pharmacies to administer vaccines to children as young as 3.Albertsons Cos.

Because of challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis, Albertsons Cos. is expanding its pharmacy-delivered immunization practice to serve young children.

Albertsons said yesterday that a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declaration now enables the company’s pharmacies to administer vaccinations to children as young as age 3. During the coronavirus pandemic, regular child wellness visits to primary care doctors have decreased, leaving a health care gap, since these visits are where children typically receive key vaccines, including the annual flu shot, the Boise, Idaho-based food and drug retailer noted.

“COVID has disrupted normal life in so many ways. Another consequence is the difficulty in making routine well-child appointments, which threatens to decrease child vaccination rates,” according to Brian Hille, vice president of patient care services and specialty at Albertsons Cos. “Our pharmacy teams are dedicated to the health and wellness of the communities they serve and are ready to provide this important health protection to a precious population — our children.”

No appointment is necessary for child immunizations, and flu and other vaccines can be provided on a walk-in basis, Albertsons said. Before a vaccination is given, a pharmacist will review the child’s vaccine history via the state’s immunization registry, and all doses administered will be reported to the child’s primary care provider and the state registry. The pharmacist, too, will explain to the child’s parent or guardian that wellness visit to the doctor also is integral to preventive care.

Related:Giant Food, Stop & Shop prepare for flu season with vaccinations at all pharmacies

Overall, Albertsons Cos. operates more than 1,700 pharmacies across its 2,250-plus grocery stores, including under the Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs banners.

Albertsons added that its pharmacies are now stocked with flu shots as influenza season approaches in October. This year, because of the prevalence of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to get flu and other immunizations to help them stay healthy and avoid potentially overwhelming the nation’s health care system. The CDC also has said flu prevention will be key this season since influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, making the latter more difficult to diagnose.

As part of its coronavirus safety measures, Albertsons said its pharmacies are taking heightened precautions when administering vaccinations and providing other pharmacy services. Patients coming in for flu shots will be pre-screened for COVID-19 symptoms
In addition, customers must wear masks in all stores; all pharmacy staff must wear masks and gloves; all pharmacies have plexiglass dividers at the pharmacy counter; and wellness rooms are regularly sanitized and cleaned in between patient visits. Social distancing signs also designate waiting areas, and hand sanitizer is available at all touch points.

Related:Giant, SpartanNash boost COVID-19 safety for pharmacy immunizations

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like