Walmart offering flu shots at Western Pa. wellness clinics

Walmart announced Friday that low-cost flu shots will be available at wellness clinics in its stores on Saturday.

The “Walmart Wellness Day” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all Walmart stores in Western Pennsylvania.

The cash price for shots will start around $39, spokesman Keegan Gibson said.

“Customers are encouraged to check with their insurance companies to see if the company covers the cost of the flu shot,” he said.

Western Pennsylvania has been hit hard by the flu this season.

In addition to flu shots, Walmart will also be offering free health screenings, other low-cost immunizations, and an opportunity to speak with a pharmacist and other health and wellness professionals.

Free health screenings include total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index and vision in locations with a vision center.

As of the week ending Jan. 4, there have been more than 25,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in the state so far this season, according to the state Department of Health. Allegheny County continues to lead the state with 5,174 confirmed cases, about 20% of the state’s total and more than any other county.

There have been 13 flu-related deaths statewide; the Allegheny County Health Department on Wednesday confirmed the first flu death this season, a 90-year-old woman who had underlying medical conditions.