Price Chopper Pharmacies announce availability of flu vaccines

SCHNECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper has announced that its pharmacies are now carrying the flu vaccine and Price Chopper’s pharmacists can administer it — with no appointment necessary — for anyone over the age of 19 years.



“This is the time that people should be looking to get the flu vaccination, not after flu activity peaks and you are at a high risk to get it,” said Kathy Bryant, Price Chopper’s VP of pharmacy.



Price Chopper Pharmacy carries the Quadrivalent flu vaccine, offering greater protection to the patient. Quadrivalent offers protection against an additional strain of the flu virus, increasing the chances that the strains included in the vaccine will cover this season’s virus.  Also available is the Thimerosal-free and High Dose flu vaccines for those older than 65 years of age.



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that patients get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Flu activity is seen in communities as early as October and typically peaks in the months of December and February. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of six months be vaccinated.



The flu can lead to many complications such as sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death. This is especially a concern for patients with such diseases as heart disease or diabetes and patients that are over the age of 65 years.



Price Chopper Pharmacies accept most insurance plans, including Medicare, often times with zero out of pocket cost to the patient.



“Pharmacists can help increase access to routine immunizations and can impact vaccination rates to avert vaccine preventable diseases. The expanded immunization program at Price Chopper is another way of helping our guests with accessible and affordable health care, particularly when they need it most," Bryant added.



Price Chopper Pharmacists also offer a variety of adult vaccinations including shingles, pneumonia, pertussis, tetanus and meningococcal shots. Some vaccinations are not available in all pharmacy locations.