Flu Shot Clinics Begin This Weekend At Burke Safeway Stores

BURKE, VA — Flu season typically runs from October to May, and there are opportunities to get the annual vaccination before it starts. Safeway is hosting flu shot clinics at stores, including pop-ups at locations without a pharmacy.

Safeway Pharmacy's team will hold at least two flu shot clinics for the public at all locations starting on Saturday, Aug. 29. Appointments are not required. Outside of the clinics, the flu and other vaccinations are offered on a walk-in basis at 100 Safeway pharmacy locations. Safeway can also provide on-site clinics at workplaces.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic is prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to say getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. In the fall and winter, the CDC believes the flu viruses and coronavirus that causes COVID-19 illness will be spreading.

Although some people who get the vaccination could still get sick, the CDC says it can reduce the severity of illness. Studies have found that the vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit admissions, and length of hospital stays.

The annual vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and up. People at high risk of severe flu complications include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions, and individuals ages 65 and up.

The flu shot at Safeway typically doesn't come with a copayment with most insurance. Safeway pharmacists can consult with patients about their specific health conditions and recommend the appropriate formulation of flu vaccine for each person.

Here are the locations and times of the flu shot clinics in the Burke area:

9596 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke, VA, 22015

• Sept. 12: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Oct. 2: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Oct. 24: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

9525 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, 22032

• Aug. 29: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Oct. 9: 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

5727 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, VA, 22015

• Sept. 5: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Sept. 25: 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Oct. 17: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

According to Safeway, safety protocols at pharmacies include staff wearing masks and gloves, plexiglass dividers at the pharmacy counter, sanitizing of wellness rooms in between patients, a face mask requirement in stores, social distancing signs in waiting areas, hand sanitizers, and screening for COVID-19 symptoms.

SEE ALSO: Flu Vaccine Shots Available at Giant Food Stores In Burke Area