CONNECTICUT, USA — Stop & Shop announced on Tuesday that updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available across the Northeast at its more than 200 pharmacy locations.
Customers can receive both shots during the same visit, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is safe for the vaccines to be administered alongside each other. Stop & Shop hopes this allows customers to get protected sooner and save an extra trip to the pharmacy.
The vaccines are administered by Stop & Shop’s trained and trusted pharmacists and are offered at no-cost with most insurance plans, according to the grocery store and pharmacy chain.
Stop & Shop said the CDC has released updated guidance recommending everyone six months old and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this season, including individuals who previously have been vaccinated.
The CDC reports that “receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.”
According to the CDC, “COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. Last season, people who received a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2023-2024 vaccine.”
According to Stop & Shop, the CDC also recommends that everyone six months old or older, with rare exceptions, receive an updated flu vaccine to decrease the risk of influenza and potentially serious complications it may cause. Most individuals only need one dose of the flu vaccine each season.
The CDC recommends flu vaccination so long as influenza viruses are prevalent, and Stop & Shop reminds residents that September and October are the best times for most people to receive the vaccinations.
“Stop & Shop’s Pharmacies are once again ready to continue our longstanding mission of taking care of our communities this flu season,” shares Katie Thornell, director of the pharmacy at Stop & Shop. “We are well-stocked and offer same-day immunizations, either with an appointment or on a walk-in basis. Stop & Shop aims to be a partner in wellness not only this fall, but all year-round, and make it easy for everyone to get the care they need to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy.”
Stop & Shop also offers immunizations for shingles, pneumonia and more. Walk-ins are welcome, or shoppers can schedule immunizations online. The grocery and pharmacy chain said it has extended weekend hours at all pharmacy locations (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday) and expanded pediatric immunization services.
Customers can also consult their licensed, trained and trusted local Stop & Shop pharmacist for a full immunization review and to discuss other significant immunizations that can help keep them healthy, Stop & Shop says.
According to Stop & Shop, its pharmacies take extensive health and safety precautions and have secured additional stock of the flu vaccine. Additionally, the immunization area in each pharmacy also has strict disinfecting and sanitation measures in place between patients.
This year, schools that are part of Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry Program are being offered free flu vaccine clinics.
To find a Stop & Shop Pharmacy in your area, to view which vaccines are available there and to schedule an immunization appointment, one can click here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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