BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new and more effective herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine, Shingrix®, is now available in all Albertsons Companies pharmacies across the United States.
Shingrix® was recently approved by the FDA and released to the public as a more effective vaccine for shingles, which is a reactivation of the chicken pox that shows up as a painful skin rash. Shingrix® is over 93% effective, compared to its predecessor Zostavax®, which was considered only 65% effective. It is also recommended for a wider range of adults, beginning at age 50, rather than Zostavax®, which was only recommended for those 60 and older.
1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime, so it is recommended that anyone who is 50 and older, regardless of prior Zostavax® vaccination, receive Shingrix® to prevent getting shingles. Some people may be advised to wait up to 5 years after getting Zostavax® to get Shingrix®. The vaccine is especially important because as people age, their immune system weakens, leaving them more susceptible to shingles. Even healthy, active people can get shingles.
Those ages 50 and up are asked to speak with their pharmacist or healthcare professional about this vaccine.
About Albertsons Companies
Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs, as well as meal kit company Plated based in New York City. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2016 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.
Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our perspectives and expectations, are forward looking statements. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate” and similar expressions, when related to the Company and its subsidiaries, indicate forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current view of management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions and factors, including general economic, market, industry and operational factors. Any changes to these assumptions or factors may lead to practical results different from current expectations. Excessive reliance should not be placed on those statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made.
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