Through a partnership with Walgreens, Pilot Travel Centers is providing free seasonal flu shots to all 14,000 of the company's employees around the country, whether they participate in the company's medical plan or not.


"We want to ensure the health of all of our associates and customers," said Jimmy Haslam, president and CEO of Pilot Travel Centers. "We are grateful for our employees who provide fast, friendly service daily to our customers. We want them to stay healthy and that helps keep our customers healthy too."

Pilot is also encouraging employees to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

"The flu shot is the best defense against getting the flu," said Dr. Martha Buchanan, medical director of the Knox County Health Department in Knoxville, Tenn., where Pilot is headquartered. "This year, getting immunized is even more important because we will have two types of flu strains circulating in the community this flu season. People who have regular contact with the public are especially vulnerable and should protect themselves, which in turn protects the customers they serve on a daily basis."

All Pilot Travel Center employees can receive their free flu shot at any participating Walgreens location when they present their flu immunization voucher. Employees can receive the needle-free flu vaccine (Flu Mist) if they prefer, also at no charge.

"We're also sharing information with our managers and employees so they can recognize flu symptoms and know how to protect themselves, fellow employees and customers from becoming ill with the flu," Haslam said. "We're encouraging our employees exhibiting flu-like symptoms to stay home and not return to work until at least 24 hours after the fever has passed."