Patients have more options than ever this year at their local Rite Aid pharmacy to help prevent the flu. More than 2,000 Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists in more than 1,500 Rite Aid stores have been giving regular seasonal flu shots and will continue to do so throughout the flu season.
Additionally, in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington, nurses have been and will continue giving regular seasonal flu shots on a first come, first served basis at flu shot clinics in more than 770 Rite Aid stores through mid-December. And in all other states in which Rite Aid operates, more than 1000 clinics will be held October 20, 21 and 22 and November 17, 18 and 19, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Details on all flu shot clinics and locations, as well as Rite Aid stores with immunizing pharmacists, can be found at www.riteaid.com or by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494. After locating a Rite Aid store with an immunizing pharmacist, customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary.
In addition to regular seasonal flu shots, pneumococcal shots for pneumonia also are being offered by Rite Aid pharmacists and 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.
With two very distinct types of flu this year – the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu – health officials warn that extra prevention measures are necessary. H1N1 is an entirely different virus which affects groups like young adults who are not typically affected by the regular flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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 as it is the best way to prevent the regular seasonal flu.