Advancing Immunizations for Albertsons Companies 

The vaccination efforts at Albertsons Companies are being led by Denise Algire, MBA, RN, BSN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN, Rajiv Das, MD, MPH, FACOEM, FAAPMR, and Peggy Lavelle, RN, MS in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (PA) and Tracy, California (CA). The team has been committed to advancing vaccination education and increasing adult immunization rates at each distribution center (DC). These locations were chosen by the team due to them being medically underserved areas with low rates of immunization. The team was determined to elevate vaccine awareness and improve health literacy through quality improvement initiatives. These initiatives included:  

  • Hosting health fairs,

  • Creating a QR code to help patients obtain vaccination history, 

  • Educating employees, 

  • Overcoming language barriers, and 

  • Strengthening partnerships with the Pharmacy Division. 

Health Fairs 

The team hosted successful health fairs that were open to associates and their family members. There were over 700 attendees combined at both locations respectively. These health fairs focused on immunization education, provided an opportunity for attendees to receive vaccinations, and obtain their vaccination history through a QR code (CA location only). To help overcome the language barrier, the team invited a Spanish speaking pharmacist to ease attendees whose preferred language is Spanish. The pharmacist offered education and administrated vaccines in an eased environment for the Spanish speaking employees. The health fairs also provided a chance to teach participants details of their health benefits. Since the pharmacy in PA is 25 miles away, the health fair helps overcome transportation barriers.   

Strengthening Partnerships 

The team has dedicated its time to strengthening its internal partnerships to help educate and administer immunizations. They are working to train their healthcare providers to discuss vaccinations during each encounter. One nurse at the Pennsylvania location has been developing relationships with employees. This has increased trust and allowed her to discuss the importance of vaccinations more freely. The team also continues to partner with their pharmaceutical team to refer employees to receive their COVID-19 and influenza shots. The employees are encouraged to stay up to date with influenza and COVID-19 shots at special events hosted by the company. These quality improvement initiatives have made a great stride in promoting the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations and ensuring that employees have all their necessary immunizations to stay safe in the workplace.  

Future Plans 

In the coming year, Dr. Das, Ms. Algire, and Ms. Lavelle plan to continue providing these quality initiatives at upcoming health fairs during the working week. These health fairs will continue to coincide with offering education on their health benefits. There is the opportunity to host a lunch and learn at their corporate site for a more convenient time for employees to learn about immunizations. The team is also excited to offer an incentive for associates who sign up for a flu shot through Albertsons’ Vaccine Scheduler in September. The associate will receive 10,000 points for the Grocery Loyal Program, which will be redeemable for grocery discounts. Lastly, they plan to expand to other worksites and include other vaccines (e.g., tetanus and Hepatitis B).   

ACOEM Resources for Adult Immunizations 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Standards for Adult Immunization Practice calls for healthcare professionals to help ensure that their adult patients are fully immunized. Learn more about the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice (SAIP) here.  

Published on September 27, 2024