Health & Wellness

Publix Pharmacies are offering flu immunizations, including needle-free and intradermal options, this flu season. Trained Publix pharmacists administer the injections.

“Offering seasonal flu shots is an example of the premier service our customers expect from Publix,” noted Maria Brous, director of media and community relations at the Lakeland, Fla.-based, employee-owned and –operated grocer, which operates 1,039 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. “Publix cares about its customers, and vaccinations also help lessen the spread of communicable diseases in our community.”

All Publix pharmacies provide the traditional flu shots for $30. The grocer accepts cash, Medicare Part B and many other third-party insurances as payment. Some pharmacies offer the Fluzone High Dose, which is recommended for people age 65 and older. For customers who meet the requirements for High Dose, wish to receive that vaccine and have Medicare coverage, the immunization will be billed to Medicare. Those without Medicare can get the shot for $60.

As previously reported by PG, Publix will offer a needle-free Bioject ZetJet flu vaccine frfom Portland, Ore.-based Bioject Medical Technologies Inc.  at 52 pharmacies. Costing the same as a standard intramuscular shot, this alternative employs air pressure to inject the vaccine into the muscle. Other supermarket chains offering needle-free flu shots include Fred Meyer and Giant Eagle.

A new intradermal flu vaccine will be available at another 50 locations. This vaccine is injected into the skin instead of the muscle and uses a much smaller needle than the regular flu shot. Costing $35, the intradermal option can be chosen by customers 18 to 64 years old.