Kroger discontinues use of needle-free devices to administer flu shots following new FDA guidance advising against them

Cindy Allen

CINCINNATI , October 24, 2011 (Kroger) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued new guidance that advises health care professionals not to use needle-free clinical devices to administer influenza vaccinations. Based on this advice, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR - News) immediately discontinued use of such clinical devices at all pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations.

The Kroger family of pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations will continue to administer seasonal influenza vaccinations through traditional flu shots.

Kroger is seeking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration regarding revaccinations.

The full FDA statement can be found here: http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/ucm276773.htm

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,439 supermarkets and multi- department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 788 convenience stores, 361 fine jewelry stores, 1,046 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

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