LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Flu activity is on the rise and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending flu vaccines as the first and best way to be protected from influenza and its potentially serious complications.

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Ralphs Pharmacies offer a convenient and easy way to get protected this flu season at any of our 88 locations throughout Southern California.

At Ralphs, flu shots are administered by our own licensed and specially trained pharmacists throughout the flu season while vaccine supplies last. No appointment is necessary to receive a flu shot at Ralphs Pharmacy. For flu vaccine information, or to find the Ralphs Pharmacy closest to you along with our hours of operation, call 888-497-3496, or visit our website at www.ralphs.com. Ralphs accepts hundreds of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Many health experts recommend yearly flu shots for everyone 50 years of age or older, anyone who has a serious long-term health issue, anyone whose immune system is weakened, pregnant women, children and adolescents from 6 months to 19 years old. The CDC also recommends annual flu shots for all health care professionals, students and staff at schools to prevent outbreaks, and virtually anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching the flu or passing it to others.

Ralphs Grocery Company was founded in 1873 and currently operates 229 supermarkets from its headquarters in Los Angeles. Ralphs is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the nation's largest food retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

SOURCE Ralphs Grocery Company