Vaccine encouraged for all age groups

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Thursday announced the availability of seasonal flu shots chainwide. Patients can get ahead of the lengthy flu season by visiting any Rite Aid to receive a flu shot from one of the company’s more than 6,300 certified immunizing pharmacists, subject to state regulations.

Jocelyn Konrad

“Although last year’s flu season was less severe than the year before, it was the longest in 10 years. With flu season getting longer, it’s even more important to get a flu shot early,” said Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy and retail operations Jocelyn Konrad. “Receiving a flu shot remains the best way to protect against the flu and its potentially severe consequences. We encourage everyone to stop by their local Rite Aid to get a flu shot today and help create flu-free communities.”

This season, Rite Aid’s flu vaccination offerings include a quadrivalent flu vaccine, which provides protection against four strains of the flu: the influenza A H3N2 virus, the influenza A H1N1 virus and two strains of influenza B virus; FLUAD, a trivalent vaccine with adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response to vaccination, approved for people 65 and older; Fluzone HD, a high-dose vaccine indicated for patients 65 and older; and Flublok, a unique vaccine that is processed without EGG, indicated for patients 18 and older.

Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, and are available during pharmacy hours; no appointment is necessary. The nearest Rite Aid pharmacy can be located by visiting www.riteaid.com or calling 1-800-RITE-AID.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older get a flu shot early to avoid an epidemic. Certain groups of people are at greater risk for complications from the flu, including people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over 65, children under five, those with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, those with kidney and liver disorders, heart disease patients, and those with compromised immune systems.

Rite Aid is committed to protecting the community through its vaccine offerings. The pharmacy’s certified immunizers understand the importance of personalized, value-based care and are also able to vaccinate patients against more than a dozen diseases based on the CDC’s vaccine guidelines and state regulations. By visiting Rite Aid’s Vaccine Central, at www.riteaid.com/vaccinecentral, customers can complete a free immunization evaluation, track their personal immunization history, and find other educational resources on immunizations.