Increase in H1N1 virus has Centers for Disease Control urging all to get vaccinated
Milwaukee, WI, US, 2014-1-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — As the CDC warns that peak flu season is approaching, Roundy’s stores – Pick ‘n Save, Copps, Rainbow, Metro Market and Mariano’s – have administered 33 percent more vaccinations than last year and have seen use of high-dosage (HD) vaccinations double.
The increase is due to several factors: more awareness of the need for vaccination, as well as Roundy’s approach to patient care. The Roundy’s pharmacists confer with patients to determine what vaccination is most appropriate for each individual – a three-strain vaccine (called a trivalent), a four-strain vaccine (called a quadrivalent) and the HD version, which is primarily used for the most at-risk patients, such as the elderly. Each version of the vaccine includes the H1N1 strain which the CDC has indicated is the predominant strain this year. Roundy’s is not experiencing a shortage of any of the vaccines. Roundy’s pharmacists administer the vaccinations in-store and no appointment is needed.
“We’re pleased patients have been responding so well to the enhanced services available to them from our Roundy’s pharmacists,” said George Kowalski, RP, Vice President Roundy’s Pharmacy. “We feel our pharmacists are in a unique position to have the most opportunity for patient interaction.”
The CDC recommends that all people aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine. In addition, to avoid the risk of flu-related complications, the CDC stresses the importance of annual flu shots for people with chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, COPD or immunosuppressive conditions.
For more information please visit the Pick ‘n Save, Copps, Rainbow, Metro Market or Mariano’s website for a list of pharmacies and their hours of operation.
About Roundy’s
Roundy’s is a leading grocer in the Midwest with nearly $4.0 billion in sales and more than 20,000 employees. Founded in Milwaukee in 1872, Roundy’s operates 163 retail grocery stores and 101 pharmacies under the Pick ’n Save, Rainbow, Copps, Metro Market and Mariano’s retail banners in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Roundy’s is committed to helping the communities its stores serve through the Roundy’s Foundation. Chartered in 2003, the Roundy’s Foundation mission is to support organizations working to relieve hunger and helping families in crisis due to domestic abuse, neglect and other at-risk situations.
Contact:
James J. Hyland
Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
james.hyland@roundys.com
414-231-5811
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