Travel immunizations now available at select Giant Food pharmacy locations
LANDOVER, Md. — Giant Food of Landover, Md., has announced that it is now offering pre-travel consultations and immunizations at select Giant Food stores.
Giant Food Travel Health Clinics, staffed by specially trained pharmacists, provide convenient, comprehensive pre-travel consultations. A pre-travel visit includes current and destination-specific recommendations for a $30 fee. Recommendations may include immunizations, prophylactic medications (such as anti-malaria drugs), and specific health advice to prevent and treat illness travelers may encounter. The clinics administer immunizations to help prevent hepatitis, yellow fever, measles, meningitis, polio, typhoid and other diseases.
“We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality service to support our pharmacy customers’ busy lives, and that includes travel abroad plans,” said Gayle Shields, director of pharmacy operations, Giant Food. “Whether it’s travel for business, service or study abroad, or leisure, our Travel Health Clinic pharmacists will work with each customer to provide specialized assistance and consultation customized to travel destinations.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that some diseases that are not common in the United States still exist in other countries — and even in airplanes and airports during layover travel. International travel continues to grow substantially and many travelers are unaware of the risks they face or how to minimize them.
Even if one’s family has all the recommended vaccines, “booster shots” are sometimes needed for vaccines that have become less effective over time. CDC recommends consulting with a travel medicine specialist, like those at Giant’s Travel Health Clinics, at least four to six weeks before departure.
