This flu season more than 2900 Rite Aid pharmacies are offering regular seasonal flu shots and starting September 1, flu shot locations and clinic dates will be available at www.riteaid.com and by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494. Many Rite Aid pharmacists have already been giving regular seasonal flu shots following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice that anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of getting the regular seasonal flu get a flu shot as soon as they are available.
More than 2,000 certified immunizing pharmacists in more than 1,500 Rite Aid stores will give regular seasonal flu shots now and throughout the flu season. After locating a Rite Aid store with an immunizing pharmacist at www.riteaid.com or toll-free 1-866-751-1494, customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary. Rite Aid pharmacists also can counsel customers and answer questions about both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
Nurses will be giving regular seasonal flu shots on a first come, first served basis at flu shot clinics in more than 1,800 Rite Aid stores from September 23 through mid-December. Clinic locations will be available September 1 at www.riteaid.com or by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494.
Regular seasonal flu shots and pneumococcal shots for pneumonia will be offered by Rite Aid pharmacists or at Rite Aid flu clinics. Many insurance plans cover the cost of the shots. Most customers with Medicare will have no co-pay. State regulations vary as to types of immunization that may be given by pharmacists and age requirements.
The two very distinct types of flu this year – the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu – will require increased awareness and prevention measures. H1N1 is an entirely different virus which affects groups like young adults who are not typically affected by the regular flu. According to the CDC, the regular seasonal flu vaccination will not protect against H1N1 flu, but the recommendation is for everyone to get a regular seasonal flu shot as soon as possible.
Prevention measures are especially important since the H1N1 vaccine won’t be available until at least mid-October and is expected to be distributed only in limited amounts to high risk groups well into the flu season. The CDC says the single best way to prevent the regular seasonal flu is to get a flu shot, but good health habits like covering your cough, washing your hands often or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and throwing away used tissues immediately can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses including all types of flu. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, rest and relaxation and avoiding contact with those who have flu symptoms also will be key prevention measures. Additional information about H1N1 flu and other prevention measures is available at www.flu.gov.
Rite Aid is already discussing with federal, state and local health department officials the possibility of securing and administering H1N1 vaccine at our pharmacies. Rite Aid will provide additional information regarding the availability of H1N1 vaccinations as it is received. Customers can regularly check www.riteaid.com for updates.
The CDC recommends that the following groups get vaccinated with the regular seasonal flu shot: