CAMP HILL, Pa. — Health officials say getting a flu shot early can help prevent the flu from spreading among communities, which is the mission of leading drugstore chain Rite Aid. Through an integrated marketing initiative rolling out this month, Rite Aid is urging people of all ages to get a flu shot to help create flu free communities. Comprised of radio, TV, social media, mobile, out-of-home and public relations, along with a comprehensive digital marketing plan, the 2018-2019 flu immunization campaign is the first work to debut from Havas North America, Rite Aid’s new agency of record for brand strategy and creative, and its Well Village team.

“Our push to take the flu seriously is especially relevant given the severity of the recent seasons,” said David Abelman, Rite Aid executive vice president of marketing. “At Rite Aid, we believe prevention is better than treatment. This year’s marketing efforts encourage people to protect themselves from the flu early so they stay healthy and enjoy what they love doing most with their family and friends. If we educate people on how getting a flu shot helps prevent widespread illness in the community, we believe we’ll help convince more people to get vaccinated at our local pharmacies.”

The campaign creative speaks to Rite Aid’s broad consumer base, from children to seniors, with a reminder that getting a flu shot protects not only yourself but everyone around you. Rite Aid humanizes the message using its professionally certified immunizers as well as people of all walks of life to highlight special life moments—from birthdays and holiday gatherings, to dance recitals and family vacations—not to be missed by being sick. Through vehicles such as captivating in-store signage, the campaign also highlights the ease and convenience of taking your child to Rite Aid for a flu shot. In addition to a nationwide campaign rollout, Rite Aid has developed tailored messaging for select regional markets including Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Seasonal flu shots are now available at the more than 2,500 Rite Aid pharmacies across the country. Patients across all age groups can visit any Rite Aid pharmacy to receive a flu shot from one of Rite Aid’s more than 6,000 certified immunizing pharmacists, subject to state regulations.