Giant Food pharmacies offering flu, strep throat testing
Fourteen Giant Food pharmacy locations throughout Maryland and Virginia are now offering on-site testing for flu A and B strains and strep throat for individuals who are aged 3 years old and older.
The retailer's flu and strep throat testing add to the services offers, including COVID-19 antibody testing and immunizations, including updated COVID-19 (bivalent) boosters, as part of the retailer's effort to expand convenient point-of-care testing access and support the health of its communities.
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Testing is administered by Giant Food's certified in-store pharmacists or certified technicians and results will be received within 10 minutes. If further consultation is needed, Giant Food's pharmacy offers an optional telehealth visit with a healthcare provider through Physician 360 to receive a consultation and any needed prescriptions, without ever leaving the pharmacy.
"Giant Food is committed to helping our customers by being a one-stop solution for not just their food needs, but also as part of their whole wellness package. By offering these new testing services, we are enabling customers to get their results instantly, speak to a doctor, and receive their medicine without ever leaving a Giant Pharmacy," said Paul Zvaleny, director of pharmacy operations at Giant Food. "Our Giant Pharmacy team is committed to keeping our communities in good health and we continue to keep our flu and cold products stocked for customers during this time of year when seasonal illness is often at a high."
The cost of flu testing is $39.99, and the cost of strep throat testing is $29.99, though these fees may be FSA/HSA eligible, and patients are encouraged to contact their plan provider for more information, the company said.
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Patients are required to make an appointment and can be booked online. Those under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the company noted.