Harris Teeter launches flu shot program amid COVID-19 pandemic

MATTHEWS, N.C., Sept. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Harris Teeter today announced it will partner with Kroger Health to offer a comprehensive flu shot program designed to help community members proactively manage their health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes touchless in-store appointments and drive-thru vaccinations at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., both of which can be booked online. The company will also provide on-site flu clinic services for businesses and organizations.

"With so many health facilities already overburdened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for all Americans to get a flu shot," said Colleen Lindholz, president, Kroger Health. "Kroger Health is proud to partner with Harris Teeter to help meet that need by offering in-store appointments and taking the infrastructure and expertise from our drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites and repositioning them for flu."

Touchless In-Store Appointments
To receive a flu shot, customers and associates can make an appointment* online by visiting harristeeterpharmacy.com/flu. Flu shots will be administered at all of Harris Teeter's more than 200 pharmacies. The company is proud to offer a touchless experience with all necessary paperwork and consent forms being completed online prior to an individual's appointment.

Drive-Thru Flu Shot Event at PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC
Harris Teeter will host a drive-thru vaccination clinic at PNC Arena on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9am to 3pm. Harris Teeter pharmacists will administer flu shots to individuals who are unable to or choose not to visit a store. Appointments* are required and can be made here.

*Before scheduling an appointment, customers will be asked to complete a vaccine consent online to reduce pen and paper sharing. These added measures help enforce physical distancing and safe practice measures. Many insurance companies cover the flu shot with no co-pay.

On-site Vaccine Clinics
Companies and other organizations also have the option to work with Harris Teeter Pharmacies to set-up vaccine clinics for their members. Harris Teeter pharmacists will come to your location to administer flu shots and other vaccines. To reserve a vaccine clinic for your employees or members, please call 1-866-432-6111 and select Option 2.

"Harris Teeter continues to be committed to being there for our communities when they need us most," said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. "By adopting best practices and learnings from our COVID-19 testing sites, we can help protect our communities against the flu while keeping their safety and well-being top of mind amid COVID-19."

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that in an average flu season 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from the flu, with an average of 500,000 flu-related hospitalizations. Since March, more than 345,000 Americans have already been hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, marking the potential for a significant burden on the already taxed healthcare system. In addition, according to symptom lists published by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are identical, creating the potential for confusion, anxiety, and loss of productivity as schools and businesses work through their COVID-19 plans and protocols.

For more information on all Harris Teeter's flu programs, please visit harristeeterpharmacy.com.

http://www.harristeeter.com

Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. KR. The regional grocery chain employs approximately 30,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE Harris Teeter