CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. announced that seasonal flu shots are now available at the more than 2,500 Rite Aid pharmacies across the country. Patients 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.

“Last year’s flu season was one of the most severe seasons in recent years, with high flu activity across the country and a record number of flu-related hospitalizations,” said Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. “Since we can’t predict what this flu season will be like, we urge everyone to get a flu shot at Rite Aid today, because getting vaccinated is the easiest and most effective way to fight the flu.”

Rite Aid pharmacies are offering a quadrivalent flu vaccine, which offers protection against four strains of the flu: the influenza A H3N2 virus, the influenza A H1N1 virus and two strains of influenza B virus; a standard trivalent vaccine; and FLUAD, a trivalent vaccine with adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response to vaccination, approved for people 65 and older.

Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B and are available during pharmacy hours; no appointment is necessary. To locate the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITE-AID.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccination. While the CDC recommends flu shots for everyone over six months, certain groups of people are at greater risk for complications from the flu. These groups include: people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over 65, children under 5, those with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, those with kidney and liver disorders, heart disease patients and those with compromised immune systems.