Mayor Teams up with Safeway in Flu Shot Education

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa (left) looks on as his wife Ann, gets a flu shot from RPh Alanna Isobe, regional pharmacy manager at Safeway.  Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Mayor Alan Arakawa, his wife Ann and Safeway are teaming up to educate the public about the benefits of getting the flu shot this season.

Mayor Arakawa, who already received his flu shot, joined his wife Ann who received hers today at the Safeway store in Kahului.

Safeway Hawaii Pharmacies on Maui are now offering in-store flu shots on a “walk-in” basis until May 2013. The service is not free, but if you present your insurance card, most times it covers the cost.

Safeway Hawaii Pharmacies on Maui are now offering in-store flu shots on a “walk-in” basis until May 2013. Photo by Wendy Osher.

New this year, the flu vaccine contains a different strain of the flu virus from the previous two years. The flu shot this year will protect against the H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B virus.

There has been a significant increase in the H3N2 strain, according to the CDC.

Safeway is also able to provide an off-site flu clinic service for businesses, senior centers and nursing homes that wish to provide their employees or residents with the convenience of receiving the flu vaccine where they work or live.

“We want to make it easy for individuals to protect themselves from this year’s strain of influenza by offering the flu vaccine in an affordable and convenient environment,” said George Glukfeld, Hawaii district manager in a media statement.

“Individuals have no reason to go unprotected this flu season nor should businesses risk lost productivity due to a sick workforce.” Said Glukfeld.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccination.

The CDC also stresses the importance of flu vaccinations for people with chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, COPD, or immunosuppressive conditions.

All Safeway pharmacies will also have Fluzone HD, a high dose flu shot available for patients aged 65 years and older, as well as regular strength and preservative free presentations.

Maui stores offereing the flu shot include the Kahului and Kihei Safeway stores.