Kroger Health, a division of the Kroger Company has introduced a comprehensive program to encourage influenza vaccination.  Options include in-store appointments, drive-through vaccinations and dedicated on-site programs for businesses.

Colleen Lindholz, President of Kroger Health stated, "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".  She added "at our COVID-19 drive-through test sites we were able to assist thousands of people in getting a test in a short amount of time.  By applying that model to provide influenza vaccinations we hope to provide more customers with a safe-convenient option to be vaccinated".

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that up to eight percent of U.S. residents will contract influenza with as many as half a million hospitalizations.  This situation is bad enough in normal times but, in a period, when hospitals are overburdened with COVID cases, any measures to conserve resources will be of benefit.

The Kroger initiative is endorsed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores that is supporting availability of vaccination at pharmacies within Walmart, Giant Food, Stop & Shop, Save Mart and Wegman’s stores in addition to specific outreach programs.