By Nancy - September 1, 2016

Arm yourself against the flu

What’s the best way to avoid catching the flu? You may think it’s washing your hands, taking vitamin C or keeping away from large crowds. While those may help, your best bet to avoid the flu is getting an annual flu shot.

Publix offers free flu shots to all associates through the Life. Inspired. associate wellness program. Why? Because we care about your health! And with flu season right around the corner, now’s a good time to stop in at your Publix Pharmacy for the vaccine.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even healthy people can get the flu, and it can be serious. Each year, thousands of Americans die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized due to flu-related complications. Getting a flu shot not only helps reduce your chance of getting the flu, but also keeps you from spreading the flu to your family, friends, co-workers and customers.

Todd Jones getting a flu shot

Now through Feb. 28, 2017, you can get a free flu shot. The earlier you get your flu shot, the earlier you’re protected. Your household family members can receive flu shots for only $24 a person, an $8 discount off the customer price.

All Publix pharmacies offer flu shots on a walk-up basis. Support associates can look for posters with details on when and where flu shot clinics are available in your area.

You don’t need to be enrolled in Publix’s health insurance plan to be eligible. All you need is your Publix personnel number to complete the patient consent form available in the pharmacy or online at www.publix.org > Health and Well-Being > Life. Inspired. Program > Flu Shots.

Since flu-related viruses change from year to year, a new vaccine is created annually to fight the most current flu bugs. So last year’s flu shot won’t protect you from this year’s viruses.

Don’t delay! Stop in to your Publix Pharmacy today, and get ready to fight that flu bug when it comes around. Talk with your Publix pharmacist for more information. Certain restrictions may apply. And to learn more about the basics of flu season, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

Ready to be a flu bug fighter?
Don’t let these five common excuses keep you from getting a flu shot this year.

I don’t have time.
Working at Publix makes it easy. Just stop in to any Publix Pharmacy before or after your shift,during your lunch break or on your day off. Walk-ins are welcome, and some Publix pharmacists even schedule appointments, if needed.

I’m healthy and young, and I never get sick.
Experts say the flu can affect anyone, regardless of age or health history.

If I get the flu, I’ll just take a couple of days off work or school, and I’ll be fine.
Even if you don’t mind having nasty flu symptoms like coughing, sore throat, aches and fever, you should be concerned about serious complications from the flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. But remember, getting the flu vaccine not only helps you but also those around you. Keep your loved ones safe!

Getting the flu shot will make me sick.
That myth has been around for years. Research has proven you can’t get the flu from the flu vaccine. Some people experience minor symptoms after the injection, but they’re mild and don’t last long. And they certainly don’t lead to the flu.

It’s not winter yet. I’ll do it later.
Waiting until flu season is at its peak is not a good idea. Flu season begins as early as October and can last into late spring. Plus, once you get a flu shot, it takes your body a few weeks to develop the antibodies it needs to fight off the flu. So, get your flu shot early and protect yourself when the flu bug strikes!

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Publix And Flu Prevention

Publix News Live logoFlu season is just around the corner, and Publix wants to help associates stay healthy and flu-free. Learn about the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones by tuning in to this month’s Publix News Live.