@pharmacy Archives - Price Chopper

10 Year Pharmacy Health Blog: Bone & Joint Wellness (Bone & Joint Health National Action Week)

James Delaney

Pharmacy Student, PharmD Candidate 2026

Our bones and joints carry us through every stage of life, yet they’re often taken for granted until problems arise. Bone & Joint Health National Action Week, observed October 12–20, is a reminder to prioritize musculoskeletal health at all ages. Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and back pain are among the most common health challenges, but with preventive care and lifestyle changes, we can reduce their impact and preserve mobility.

Pharmacists play a key role in supporting bone and joint health. We counsel patients on proper use of prescription medications, vitamin D, and calcium supplements. We also review prescriptions to minimize fall risk, which is especially important for older adults. Beyond medications, we encourage healthy habits such as regular weight-bearing exercise, balanced nutrition, and smoking cessation, all of which support long-term bone strength.

This awareness week is an opportunity to start conversations about joint care and prevention. By taking small steps now—whether it’s improving diet, moving more, or checking in about bone health screenings—patients can maintain independence and quality of life for years to come. Together, we can build stronger foundations for healthier living.

10 Year Pharmacy Series: Family Health and Fitness Day 2025

Helping our shoppers support good health for their families is central to the mission of our company and our Pharmacy teams. Launched in 1996, Family Health and Fitness Day is a national day dedicated to supporting family wellness – getting active, eating well, managing stress and building strong family bonds through positive activities.

Family Meals is a great place to start! September is Family Meals Month, and we have been celebrating all month long! The Family Meals Movement is a national initiative that promotes the many benefits of family meals year-round. Some of those benefits include:

Better nutrition and healthy weight
Better grades
Better social skills and more self-confidence
Stronger family bonds
Reduced risky behaviors and more physical activity

All of these are delivered by the power of eating and getting active together! Mental and physical health benefits of being active and eating together as often as possible are well-documented. No need to be fancy or perfect, it could be a pizza night, breakfast for dinner, tailgating at a school activity or a snack in the park – they all count toward that critical together time.

Getting active together may seem harder; keeping it simple will make it more likely to be maintained over time. Play frisbee or catch, walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Make it easy and let kids choose part of the activity, like which way to walk, or what song to choose. Make it a scavenger hunt around the house, with music that can be a little dance party when you’re stuck inside. Whenever possible, leave devices out of the moment, stowed in a backpack or pocket so you can all focus on each other and how good the activity makes you feel.

Our mission is to help you and yours be better together – Happy Family Health and Fitness Day!

10 Year Pharmacy Series: Women’s Health Awareness

James Delaney

Pharmacy Student, PharmD Candidate 2026

Women’s health is about more than just annual check-ups—it’s about building a foundation of wellness that supports every stage of life. National Women’s Health & Fitness Day, celebrated on September 24, is the perfect reminder to prioritize preventive care, healthy habits, and regular screenings. As pharmacists, we see firsthand how small steps toward wellness—whether it’s staying active, eating well, or keeping up with recommended vaccines—make a big difference over time.

One of the most important aspects of women’s health is prevention. Vaccines such as the HPV vaccine, flu shot, and updated COVID-19 boosters help protect against serious illnesses. Routine screenings, like mammograms, cholesterol checks, and blood pressure monitoring, play a key role in catching health issues early when they are most treatable. We encourage women to use this month as a chance to review their health goals and schedule any appointments or preventive services they may have put off.

Our pharmacies can be a convenient place to start. We are here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support your health journey in a welcoming and accessible setting. Whether you’re looking for advice on nutrition, exercise, vaccines, or managing a chronic condition, we are here as part of your healthcare team. Together, we can make women’s health a priority—not just on September 24, but every day of the year.

10 Year Anniversary Pharmacy Series: Get Smart at the Pharmacy – Planning for School Success

As you watch the sales for school supplies, don’t forget to check out your medicine cabinet and ensure you have some supplies on hand for those days that start with a groan instead of a hug. These recommendations are meant for a hopefully quick bout of the “bug du jour”. Keep your family members’ overall health needs in mind and contact their MD if any symptoms are severe.

Top Priority – If your child or family member requires medication during the school day, be sure to check with your pharmacist and get medications and directions organized before they head out on that first day. This is most important for emergency medications such as Epi-Pens, or chronic medications, like insulin. Knowing about options that are extended release could make a big difference in your child’s day and yours. Having age-appropriate over the counter meds to triage allergies, fevers and sore throats will save a trip when no one feels like going to the store.
Liquids are Mandatory – and water doesn’t always cut it. Keep some shelf-stable clear liquids in the pantry for those days when sore throats and rumbling tummies are making a tough day tougher. Juices should be clear, low acid and light colored.
Keep some straws on hand. They triple the volume of liquid when compared with sipping, especially for the lethargic or stubborn patients. Juice boxes with straws, clear Pedialyte-type drinks and ginger ale are easy to stash away for a sick day.
Another pantry staple, soup, particularly chicken noodle, is “souper-food” for most mild illnesses: warm liquids soothe throats and tummies, replace sodium, and the noodles come in distracting cartoon shapes that many children can recognize and focus on.
Plain crackers can be stashed next to these supplies– can go with the soup, or be eaten on their own, easy carbohydrates that can break down quickly and get your stomach “started up” again.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends returning to regular foods and drinks as soon as possible. A good start may be (surprise!) chocolate milk. It is a nutrient-rich package of protein, fluid and electrolytes, and regularly used in sports programs to rehydrate.

Wishing all our students a healthy, successful year!

10 Year Anniversary Pharmacy Series: Immunization Awareness/Kickoff

James Delaney

Pharmacy Student, PharmD Candidate 2026

As pharmacists, we are proud to serve as one of the most accessible healthcare providers in our communities. Immunization awareness is one of the most important initiatives we lead each year, and now is the perfect time to kick off the conversation. Vaccines are not just about protecting individuals—they help protect families, friends, and the entire community by preventing the spread of serious illnesses.

This season, we encourage everyone to check their immunization records and make sure they are up to date. Whether it’s your flu shot, the latest COVID-19 vaccination, the newly available RSV vaccine for eligible adults, or the pneumococcal vaccine to protect against serious lung infections, staying current with your vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your health. Many of these vaccines can be administered right in our pharmacies, often without an appointment, making it easier than ever to stay protected.

If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Our goal is to listen, provide accurate information, and help you feel confident in your healthcare choices. By working together, we can make a meaningful impact this immunization season and support a healthier, safer community for all.

Get Your Pet Meds at Price Chopper

At Price Chopper/Market 32, we are passionate about supplying our customers with everything they need to keep themselves and their families healthy. Of course, pets are always included in that! We strive to provide the resources they need to live happy. Did you know you can pick up your pet medications from our pharmacies? It’s true! We offer affordable prices and an easy pick-up process at our in-store pharmacies.

We offer top brands like Bavecto, Frontline, and Seresto for fighting fleas & ticks, Bravecto requires a healthcare provider prescription. New, transferred, and authorized refills are included as ordered by a prescriber. Also, your pet is covered with a number of prescription meds for various ailments: Carprofen for arthritis/joint pain in cats and dogs, Heartgard Plus for Heartworm in dogs, eye meds such as Latanoprost, Dorzolamide, and Diclofenac, Levothyroxine for thyroid in dogs, and Vetsulin for diabetes in dogs and cats. For more information please visit our website.

Can’t pick up? Medications can also be delivered via ScriptDrop. Whether it’s to your home, office, or assisted living facility, prescriptions can be hand-delivered by a professional and HIPAA compliant ScriptDrop courier. Click here to find delivery options and participating locations near you!

We believe all good patients deserve a nice, healthy treat so check out our selection of pet treats, sure to make your furry friend smile!

Shop Pet Treats

Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot Every Year

by Angelique Harris

With COVID-19 still maintaining its hold on the world’s health systems, it is important to not disregard the seasonal influenza virus. With flu season rapidly approaching there are many reasons why it is more vital than ever to get vaccinated. Not only will your vaccination contribute to herd immunity protecting those that are unable to get vaccinated, but it also helps reduce flu-related hospitalizations, allowing health care workers to continue to focus on treating patients with COVID-19 and conserving medical resources.

Influenza is very commonly overlooked, and many are unaware of the potential seriousness that it holds as it can be deadly. Approximately, 35.5 million Americans contracted the flu during the 2018-2019 flu season and from those 34,200 individuals died from the illness.¹ During the 2019-2020, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza cases, 105,000 associated hospitalizations and 6,300 flu-related deaths. A study conducted in 2014, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases reported that the flu vaccine prevented pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission by 74% from 2010-2012.²

How do flu vaccines work? The influenza virus infects our body by attacking our own cells and modifying the DNA within our cells to create more virus. The flu vaccine is formulated every year in time for flu season. They are made up from inactivated strains of the influenza virus.² Once vaccinated, the immune system recognizes the foreign invader and quickly starts up the immune response to create antibodies which are cells within our body that can target the virus and extinguish it without affecting our own cells. Since the pathogen has been modified or is already dead, the immune system is able to create antibodies that the body will then use if exposed to a live virus. Therefore, you cannot get the flu from receiving the flu vaccine since it does not have the ability to infect the cells. One important thing to note is that the antibodies generally take a week or more to develop to achieve the full protection offered from the vaccine.³

Why do I need a new vaccine every year? The influenza virus is a master of disguise. Every year it changes its appearance to one that our bodies are not familiar with. With this change in appearance, if you had not gotten vaccinated and you were exposed to the virus, the body would then have to fight harder to prevent the spread of the virus as well as make the antibodies to fight off the infection. During this time, the body has other methods to prevent the spread of infection such as increasing internal body temperature (fever) pulling protein from the body’s muscles (muscle aches), along with washing the germs from the nasal and respiratory system (runny nose, coughing).⁴

Getting vaccinated can do more than protect yourself from the flu. Herd immunity is what occurs when a vast majority of the population is vaccinated thus making it difficult for the virus to spread. This type of immunity is beneficial to young infants and immunocompromised individuals to have some form of protection.⁵ People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and asthma are at high risk for serious complications leading to possible life-threatening pneumonia.

Getting the flu vaccine is a small act that can have a big impact on protecting those around you and the community.

Sources

What are the benefits of flu vaccination? [Internet]. Center for Disease Control, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. 2021 8 June. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm
How the Immune System Protects You From Infection [Internet]. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/how_the_immune_system_protects_you_from_infection
Haelle, Tara. Why You Need the Flu Shot Every Year. [Internet]. The New York Times. 2017 Dec 1. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/12/smarter-living/why-you-need-the-flu-shot-every-year.html
How Your Body Fights Off Cold and Flu [Internet]. Vicks. Proctor & Gamble. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.vicks.com.au/en-au/science-of-healing/understanding-types-of-illness/how-your-body-fights-off-cold-and-flu
Franco, Cheryl. Getting the Flu (Influenza) Vaccine: Why It’s Important [Internet]. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.chla.org/blog/rn-remedies/getting-the-flu-influenza-vaccine-why-it-s-important

How the Flu Vaccine Can Help with Severe Symptoms of COVID-19

by Angelique Harris

With the pandemic still trekking on with the new circulating Delta variant, it is more important than ever the ensure you and your family’s safety. Recent studies have found promise that the flu vaccine may provide protection against severe symptoms of COVID-19. Both viruses have in the past lead to a multitude of hospitalization requirements for American’s and both have the potential to be fatal.

The European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Disease analyzed patient data, noting the correlation of a reduced risk of stroke, sepsis, and deep vein thrombosis in COVID-infected patients who had received their flu vaccine. According to the study, the non-vaccinated individuals had a higher risk of 20% to be more likely to be admitted into the ICU. They also had a 45% higher chance of developing sepsis and were 58% more likely to suffer from a stroke.¹ Additionally, patient’s vaccinated against the flu had a 25% lower chance of testing positive for COVID-19.²

The mechanism behind this protection provided from the flu vaccine is uncertain. Some researchers believe that it boosts the body’s natural immune system. It is also noted that some vaccines produce an adaptive immune response that can be activated in the presence of another foreign body, an example being how some tuberculosis vaccines has some efficacy against yellow fever and malaria.²

Children under the age of 13 may also be able to receive some protection against COVID-19 with the seasonal flu vaccine. The University of Missouri School of Medicine has found data to support children that received the flu shot are less likely to experience symptoms from COVID. Researchers reviewed more than 900 children in 2020. Professor, Anjali Patwardhan MD explains the concept of viral interference to which causes the cells within our body to become resistant to a second infection after first experiencing another. She believes this to be the correlated mechanism for the increased protection. Results from the study show that the children previously vaccinated for the flu and tested positive for COVID-19, were less likely to experience symptomatic disease. Dr. Patwardhan notes that research still needs to be conducted and its importance as children play a role influencing viral transmission.³

While the flu vaccine is not a replacement for the vaccines approved for COVID-19, it may serve importance in areas where COVID vaccination rates are struggling, or other countries not expected to receive shipments of the vaccine until 2023. These statistics may also provide some comfort to those hesitant to receive the COVID vaccines.¹ With both viruses sharing similar seasonal outbreaks, it is important to ensure the highest protection.

Sources:

Antrim, Aislinn. Study Finds Flu Shots Protect Against Some Severe COVID-19 Symptoms [Internet]. Pharmacy Times; 2021 July 15. [Cited 08/12/2021]. Available from: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/study-finds-flu-shots-protect-against-some-severe-covid-19-symptoms
Jeremias, Skylar. Flu Vaccine May Protect Against COVID-19 Infection [Internet]. AMJC; 2021 Feb 24. [Cited 08/12/2021]. Available from: https://www.ajmc.com/view/flu-vaccine-may-protect-against-covid-19-infection
Study Shows Flu Vaccine Lessens COVID-19 Symptoms in Children [Internet]. University of Missouri School of Medicine; 2021 Feb 4. [cited 08/12/2021]. Available from: https://medicine.missouri.edu/news/study-shows-flu-vaccine-lessens-covid-19-symptoms-children

Why Do Older Adults Need A Different Flu Shot?

by Angelique Harris

It is no secret that our bodies go through a handful of changes as we age. One of things that many people don’t think about is what happens to the immune system. Older adults tend to have a weaker immune system and are therefore at higher risk for infection. With flu season coming around the corner it is important that we make sure everyone gets the flu shot best suited for them. For adults older than the age of 65 it is recommended to get the high-dose flu vaccine. The high dose vaccine contains higher amount of viral protein intended to result in a stronger immune response than the regular flu vaccine.¹

There are many factors that affect the level of risk an individual has for developing a serious infection from the influenza virus. One important factor to consider is age. For adults 65 years and older, there is a high risk of developing complications from the influenza virus sometimes requiring hospitalization. Studies produced by the Center of Disease Control, estimate that this age group results in 70% to 85% of flu-related deaths and 50% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations each year.²When provided the regular flu vaccine over the senior one, studies found that older adults had 50% to 75% fewer antibodies than the younger population.³

A new flu vaccine is produced each year by estimating certain viral strain to determine which combination is likely to provide the greatest protection. Since this is an estimation, the efficacy rates each year are variable, however, there are multiple studies that have found that the flu vaccine is effective in preventing doctor visits and hospitalizations due to complications from the flu. When compared, patients 65 years and older, the recommended high dose vaccine produced a stronger immune response than the standard trivalent used in the younger population and resulted a 24% higher efficacy rate. A study in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal, found that the Fluzone high dose also corresponded to a lower risk of hospital admissions.³

Some individuals do experience mild side effects. These side effects include redness, soreness, swelling along with fever, headache, and fatigue. These side effects may last for a few days and do not compare in severity to the common side effects of the actual flu. While the vaccine does provide some protection, like all vaccines it is not 100%. Other methods to reduce the spread of influenza include frequent handwashing, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and staying home when you feel sick.⁴

While the efficacy of the flu vaccine varies each year, it is still important to get vaccinated. For the older population, the vaccine may be the difference between life or death. Influenza can lead to further complications such as pneumonia as well as worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions.⁵ These worsening symptoms can require professional treatment and support requiring doctor visits as well as hospitalizations. Although it may not prevent you entirely from getting the flu, it will likely ensure the symptoms to be far less severe. Not only can getting vaccinated help protect yourself but also help protect others around you unable to receive vaccinations.

Sources:

Flu & People 65 Years and Older. [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2021 May 6 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
Gillespie, Claire. What is the High-Dose Flu Vaccine, and Who Can Get It? Here’s What Infectious Disease Experts Say[Internet]. Health.com; 2021 Sept 4 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.health.com/condition/flu/high-dose-flu-vaccine
Tosh, Pritish K M.D. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2021 April 23 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/expert-answers/fluzone/faq-20058032
Why Seniors Should Get the Inactivated Influenza (Flu) Vaccine [Internet]. Health Link British Columbia. 2021 August [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/inactivated-flu-vaccine-seniors
Why seniors need extra flu protection [Internet]. UCI Health. The Regents o the University of California; 2020 Jan 7 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2020/01/senior-flu-shot

ScriptDrop Delivers Convenience and Safety to Price Chopper Pharmacy Customers

Did you know that Price Chopper Pharmacies are beginning to offer same-day prescription delivery? With eight locations currently offering this great service and many more on the way, we’re putting your health and safety first.

If you’re already getting your groceries delivered from Price Chopper, prescription delivery is a no-brainer. Requesting prescription delivery is easy!

Check this page for participating Price Chopper Pharmacy locations. As long as your home, office, or assisted living facility is within ten miles of a participating location, you’re eligible for delivery.
Call the Pharmacy before noon for same-day delivery between 2pm-6pm, Monday through Friday. Calling after noon? You’ll receive your delivery the next business day.
After your prescription has been processed, the Pharmacy will call to collect your copayment and the $4.99 delivery fee.
You will receive a text or call to confirm your delivery time.
Prescriptions will be delivered to your doorstep by a professional, HIPAA-compliant ScriptDrop driver. Currently, all deliveries are contactless for your safety.

Price Chopper is pleased to partner with ScriptDrop for prescription delivery. Based in Columbus, Ohio and established in 2017, ScriptDrop partners with pharmacies, health systems, and couriers to ensure patients get their medications as safely and efficiently as possible. With delivery options in all 50 states, ScriptDrop is the first organization to provide both pharmacy-initiated and patient-initiated solutions to better reduce prescription abandonment and improve health outcomes.

If you have questions about same-day delivery, call your Price Chopper Pharmacy.

Not yet a Price Chopper Pharmacy customer? In addition to offering automatic refills, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, and caring health professionals who can answer your questions, you may have access to same-day prescription delivery.