Last updated on September 13th, 2022 at 01:48 pm
Kroger’s Atlanta Division, supported by Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., says it has developed a comprehensive flu shot program, designed to help local customers get their recommended vaccines amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes touchless in-store appointments and Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinics.
All flu shot appointments can be booked online. Drive-ups are welcome at the drive-through clinics while supplies last.
Flu shot clinics, dates and locations
The dates and locations for Drive Through Flu Shot Clinics in metro Atlanta are:
- Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., North Point Community Church, 4350 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta
- Sept. 23 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Gwinnett Church Hamilton Mill, 2000 Gravel Springs Road, Buford
- Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4245 Cascade Road, Atlanta
“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 Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, East Alabama and South Carolina. “At our COVID-19 drive-thru test sites, we were able to assist thousands of people in getting a test in a short amount of time. By using that model to provide flu shots, we hope to provide more customers with a safe, convenient option to get vaccinated.”
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that during an average flu season, 8 percent of the U.S. population gets sick from the flu, with an average of 500,000 flu-related hospitalizations. Since March, more than 370,000 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), symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are similar, which may create the potential for confusion, anxiety and loss of productivity as schools and businesses work through their COVID-19 plans and protocols.
“It will be very difficult for people to determine the difference between flu symptoms and COVID-19,” Turner said. “That’s why it’s so important for Americans to get a flu shot this year. It not only has been proven to help protect against the flu but may also help reduce misidentification as COVID-19.”
To receive a flu shot, customers and associates can make an appointment online. They can also complete their pre-visit paperwork online to reduce contact and promote physical distancing, and many insurance companies cover the flu shot with no co-pay.
Kroger Health is also helping employers address both COVID-19 and the flu via its COVIDCare Plus program, which includes an FDA-authorized COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit and additional services such as vaccine clinics, telehealth, and screening programs for personalized health management. Learn more at krogerhealth.com.
