Flu season may peak between December and February, but cases often start spreading in October — making now the perfect time to get ahead of the spread and ensure you can stay healthy year-round.

Why it's important: The CDC estimates at least half a million people were hospitalized due to the flu since October 2024. The vaccine is proven to lower your risk of getting the flu and having serious flu illness.

Here's the deal: Safeway pharmacies near you offer free* flu vaccines from highly experienced staff.

• Plus, you can get 10% off of up to $200 in groceries just for getting vaccinated.

The deets: You can make an appointment or drop in whenever it's convenient for you. Some locations even offer drive-up services.

• Pharmacy staff can also give other vaccines at the same time as your flu shot, including for COVID and RSV.

What you need to know: The flu vaccine is made with either inactivated viruses or with a single protein from the flu virus.

• The CDC says you can't get the flu from the vaccine, and protection declines over time — which is why the CDC recommends a yearly shot.

Here's what else: Safeway pharmacies also provide same-day testing and prescription treatments for the flu, so you can feel better fast.

Schedule your vaccine today.

*Free with most insurance. Restrictions apply. See pharmacy for details.