Hy-Vee serves up biometric health screenings

Hy-Vee plans to offer customers free biometric screenings at selected locations throughout its eight-state Midwestern market during September.

Plans call for Hy-Vee to provide 1,000 biometric screenings on a walk-up basis via Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobiles in the parking lots at more than 40 stores, the West Des Moines, Iowa-based food and drug chain said yesterday. Available while supplies last, the health assessments involve measurements and readings of key risk indicators for chronic diseases or conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. 

Hy-Vee dietitians will collect finger-prick blood samples that will be used to determine cholesterol levels, triglycerides and glucose levels. They also will gauge resting blood pressure; measure height, weight and waist size; and calculate body mass index.
The retailer said all results will be received and reviewed during the screening, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The health screenings are being conducted in recognition of National Cholesterol Month, according to Hy-Vee. Consumer food brands Smart Chicken (Tecumseh Poultry) and Birds Eye (Conagra Brands) are sponsoring the assessments. 

Each screening patient will receive a Heart Health giveaway bag including samples, coupons and educational materials, Hy-Vee said, adding that its dietitians also will offer free virtual store tours for those focused on cardiovascular health.

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Also in September, Hy-Vee plans to host COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot clinics at the South Dakota State Fair, which starts on Sept. 2. 

The clinics — also provided through Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobiles — will be held daily from noon to 4 p.m. through Sept. 6, with no appointment necessary. Hy-Vee said pharmacy staff will be at the mobile units across from the Centennial Stage to administer the free immunizations. 

Those seeking flu shots will be able to receive standard (trivalent), quadrivalent or high-dose (for seniors only) vaccines. COVID vaccination patients will be able to choose the Pfizer/BioNTech (ages 12 and older) or Moderna (ages 18 and older) vaccines, both of which require two doses delivered 21 days and 28 days apart, respectively. People getting their first dose at the South Dakota State Fair will be able to receive their second dose at any Hy-Vee pharmacy. Coronavirus inoculations also will be offered to moderately to severely immunosuppressed individuals eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

“Hy-Vee pharmacies have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 vaccine administration over the past eight months, and we’re proud to provide easy access to the vaccine at this year’s South Dakota Fair,” Kristin Williams, executive vice president and chief health officer at Hy-Vee, said in a statement.

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People getting a COVID-19 vaccination from Hy-Vee between June 1 and Nov. 1 can receive a $10 Hy-Vee gift card, and each patient receiving a flu shot from Hy-Vee can earn a 20-cent Hy-Vee Fuel Saver reward, redeemable at any Hy-Vee Gas, Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh Express, or Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh location.

Overall, Hy-Vee operates more than 280 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.