Safeway pharmacies make preparations to meet demand for COVID-19 vaccines
Safeway launches new website to provide information to customers about vaccine’s safety and availability; initiates hiring campaign; maintains enhanced cleaning and safety standards
January 15, 2021 – In partnership with the California Department of Health and county health departments in the Northern California, Safeway pharmacy teams have been administering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible recipients under Phase 1A or 1B criteria, depending on the county vaccine distribution plan.
Under this partnership, Safeway pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have been providing this critical vaccine to those who need it most, including those in the emergency response and healthcare sectors.
“Throughout the pandemic, the communities we serve have trusted our pharmacy teams to play a critical role in maintaining their health and wellness,” said Narayanan Ramachandran, Director of Pharmacy for Safeway. “We are preparing our specially trained pharmacy teams to handle the unprecedented demand and administer the vaccine safely and efficiently as members of the public become eligible.”
Safeway is working directly with state agencies to assist the public in understanding when the vaccine may be available to them and maintaining high safety standards in pharmacies and stores. To offer customers information and updates about COVID immunization, Safeway launched a new website featuring FAQs and education on the eligibility criteria.
Safeway launches hiring campaign to add pharmacy staff
To ensure its pharmacies can meet the demand for vaccinations when it becomes more widely available to the public, Safeway announced it plans to hire and train pharmacists and pharmacy technicians throughout its operation in Northern California.
Interested candidates can submit an application online at albertsonscompanies.com/careers
Ensuring a safe pharmacy environment
The top priority at Safeway is protecting the health and safety of everyone who enters its stores and pharmacies. The company continues to maintain a clean environment in its stores, and its pharmacists have taken a number of additional steps before, during, and after administering vaccines to keep patients safe, including:
Screening for COVID-19 symptoms before providing immunizations
Online consent and release form to streamline vaccine processing and reduce the number of patients in the waiting area
Personal protective equipment (PPE), including face shields, for all pharmacy associates.
Hand hygiene practiced before and after immunizations, including changing gloves between patients
Monitoring COVID transmission and prevalence in the local area to adapt PPE requirements if necessary
Maintaining social distancing before and after immunization
Stay safe while waiting for the vaccine
While members of the community wait for their opportunity to receive the vaccine, the Albertsons Cos. pharmacy team is reminding the public to continue to follow CDC recommendations for protecting themselves and others, including frequent hand washing, social distancing, and wearing masks or face coverings. Click here for the CDC’s guidance.
About Safeway
Safeway has been proudly serving Northern California since 1926. Today, the company operates over 280 stores across Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii, under three banners, including Andronico’s, Safeway, and Vons. In 2020, the Safeway Northern California Division donated over $10 million in gift cards and financial support to charitable organizations helping feed local families impacted by the current crisis. Safeway is part of Albertsons Companies.
