BI-LO Launches Vaccination Program

To encourage people to protect their health, BI-LO kicked off its "Shield Yourself" flu vaccination campaign today, offering three different options of this year's influenza vaccine to help shield shoppers from the flu.

Customers at any of the grocer's in-store pharmacies can choose from the standard vaccination, a high dose vaccine recommended for those 65 and older, or an Intradermal flu vaccination administered with a microneedle that is 90 percent smaller than traditional needles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a yearly vaccination provides the best protection throughout flu season. It takes about two weeks after being vaccinated for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That's why it's better to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available, before the flu season really gets under way, according to experts.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people age six months and older should be vaccinated against the flu as soon as the vaccine becomes available," said John Fegan, vice president of pharmacy for BI-LO. "We have the flu vaccine now and can offer customers quick and easy options to receive it while they do their grocery shopping. With the start of school, now is the perfect time to shield your health with a flu shot."

Consumers can secure a flu shot in any BI-LO in-store pharmacy on a walk-in basis. BI-LO shoppers that enroll for the company's Discount Pharmacy Card will pay a discounted rate off the vaccination as follows:

• Regular flu vaccination $24.99
• Intradermal vaccination $29.99
• Fluzone High Dose vaccination $44.99

The flu vaccinations are covered by most insurance plans including Tri-Care and Medicare. There is no out of pocket expense for guests with Medicare Part B coverage.