Two Odenton Grocery Stores Offer Flu Shots

ODENTON, MD — One grocery stores will serve Odenton with influenza immunizations this year. The pharmacy at Giant Foods will offer the vaccine throughout the flu season.

The grocer does not require an appointment. Most insurances, including Medicare, cover the full cost of the shot, meaning a copay usually isn't required.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says getting an influenza vaccine is especially important this year. A swath of flu hospitalizations paired with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could overwhelm the medical system, the CDC warns.

"COVID-19 has presented challenges that we have not encountered before," Paul Zvaleny, Giant Food Director of Pharmacy Operations, said in a press release. "Medical professionals around the world advise that getting the annual your flu shot is of vital importance to your health and wellness during this global pandemic."

Every patient who receives a flu vaccine at a Giant pharmacy will also get a free screening to determine if they are missing any other shots.

Giant practices the following social distancing measures:

• The store encourages shoppers and staff to maintain a 6-foot distance when possible.
• Clear partitions separate patrons from workers behind checkout, customer service and pharmacy counters.
• Customers who are immunocompromised or aged 60 and up can shop or head to the pharmacy in the store's designated senior hour everyday from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Customers can have their prescriptions delivered to their car when they park in one of the Giant Direct spaces out front.
• Seniors can also have their medications sent straight to their doorstep with Giant's free UPS delivery.

Here are the address, phone number and pharmacy hours of the Odenton Giant:

Young children, pregnant woman, those with chronic health conditions and people older than 65 are the populations most likely to catch serious cases of the flu. The seasonal influenza spreads throughout the country between October and May through coughs, sneezes and close contacts.

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