National Influenza Vaccination Week, started in 2005 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.

“According to the CDC, flu vaccination coverage from previous years has shown that influenza vaccination activity declines quickly after November,” according to Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president of pharmacy at Rite Aid. “National Influenza Week is a great time to reinforce the importance of receiving your flu shot and to encourage our customers who haven’t done so already to visit their local Rite Aid and conveniently get vaccinated against the flu, as it is the best way to protect yourself and others from this potentially serious illness.”

The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. Rite Aid noted that its certified immunizing pharmacists administer flu shots on a walk-in basis at the drug chain’s nearly 4,600 stores. Flu vaccines are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.

In addition, Rite Aid offers Vaccine Central, an online assessment tool where customers can fill out a personal immunization evaluation, track their personal immunization history and find other educational resources on vaccinations. Depending on state regulations, Rite Aid pharmacists can administer vaccines for 12 other diseases, such as whooping cough, shingles and pneumonia.