Flu Shots Up For Grabs At GIANT Grocery Stores In Germantown

GERMANTOWN, MD — With the first day of fall right around the corner, Marylanders can begin to look forward to cooler weather and fall activities. But with the threat of the flu also lurking in colder temperatures, it's important that residents consider vaccination.

That's why GIANT Food Stores is tackling this year's flu season head-on with a variety of vaccines available at all 138 store pharmacies.

“Getting a flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to fight the flu,” said Leigh Shirley, director of pharmacy operations at GIANT. “We encourage everyone to visit their local GIANT/MARTIN’S pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible, because it can take up to two weeks to be fully protected against the flu.”

Many insurance plans cover flu shots at zero cost to the patient, including Medicare Part B. Between the wallet-friendly cost and GIANT's willingness to accept walk-ins without appointments, vaccines are available to everyone, including children, adults and seniors.

GIANT offers several types of flu shots for children, adults and seniors including the standard trivalent vaccine, a quadrivalent vaccine which offers protection against an additional strain of the flu virus and a high dose flu vaccine designed specifically for people 65 and older. To find the nearest GIANT pharmacy, visit GIANT websites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccination. While the CDC recommends flu shots for everyone over six months, certain groups of people are at greater risk for complications from the flu. These groups include: people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over 65, children under 5, those with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, those with kidney and liver disorders, heart disease patients and those with compromised immune systems.

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Other ways to boost immunity and keep the flu virus and other germs at bay include:

• Eat Immunity Boosting Foods

Grab the following nutrient rich foods and ingredients to boost immunity and fight winter colds and the flu: apples, blueberries, citrus fruits, bell peppers, spinach, kale and other leafy greens, garlic, and turmeric, as well as Greek yogurt, kefir, and kombucha for the probiotic properties.

• Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body well hydrated helps the kidneys operate in flushing out unwanted toxins, helps your brain produce melatonin so you sleep better, and helps the body eliminate bacteria that may cause illness. Try infusing water with fresh cut fruit, herbs or vegetables for more flavor or try black, green, and herbal tea.

• Practice Proper Hand-washing

Scrub hands, including lathering the backs of your hands, in between fingers and under nails, for at least 20 seconds. Rinse well under clean, running water and dry using a clean towel. Repeat frequently, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. GIANT private label brand includes a variety of soaps as well as hand sanitizers for on-the-spot disinfecting.

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