Rite Aid offers H1N1 flu shots through certified immunizing pharmacists

Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) now is offering the H1N1 (swine) flu shots by its certified immunizing pharmacists at 1,257 Rite Aid stores in 30 states and the District of Columbia. Customers can go to www.riteaid.com/H1N1 to find the most convenient Rite Aid store offering the H1N1 flu shots. The shots cost $15.

States with Rite Aid stores offering H1N1 flu shots include Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.

After locating a Rite Aid store with H1N1 flu shots, customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary. Rite Aid pharmacists also can counsel customers and answer questions about both the H1N1 flu and the regular seasonal flu. Many Rite Aid stores still have supplies of the regular seasonal flu vaccine.

While the incidence of reported H1N1 flu cases has declined in recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says flu is unpredictable and activity can rise and fall throughout the season. The flu season is likely to continue for months caused by either the H1N1 virus or regular seasonal flu virus. The CDC says the H1N1 vaccine is the best way to protect against the pandemic H1N1 virus and also still recommends getting a regular seasonal flu shot if possible.

Rite Aid's regular seasonal flu shots, where available, cost $30, and pneumococcal shots for pneumonia cost $45. 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.