Rite Aid Responds to Severe Flu Season by Obtaining More Than 400,000 Additional Flu Shots
In response to the nationwide flu epidemic and customer demand, Rite Aid
Corporation (NYSE: RAD) announced today it has obtained more than
400,000 additional seasonal flu shots, which began arriving in stores
earlier this week. Flu shots are being delivered to areas of need based
on actual or anticipated flu outbreak activity. Flu shots will be
administered by Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists subject to
state regulations, during all pharmacy hours, with no appointment
necessary.
People interested in receiving a flu shot are encouraged to call their
local Rite Aid pharmacy for availability. To locate the nearest Rite Aid
pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com
or call 1-800-RITE-AID. Flu shots are $29.99 each and are covered by
many insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.
“This year’s flu season got off to an early and strong start, and
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is more
severe than in recent years,” said Robert Thompson, Rite Aid Executive
Vice President of Pharmacy. “Rite Aid pharmacists play an important role
in the fight against the flu every year and that’s especially true in
tough seasons like this one. We are committed to helping our customers
and communities fight the flu, which is why we’re bringing in additional
flu shots this week and encouraging anyone who hasn’t received a flu
shot yet to do so as soon as possible, so they can be protected against
this year’s flu.”
To date, Rite Aid pharmacists have administered more than 2 million flu
shots, and will continue to do so while supplies are available.
Additionally, Rite Aid pharmacists are available to counsel customers on
over-the-counter medicines, like pain relievers, decongestants and cough
medicine that can be used to help manage symptoms associated with the
flu virus. Rite Aid store shelves are also stocked with additional
supplies of hand sanitizer and soaps, masks, gloves, tissues and
household disinfectants to help prevent the spread of the flu.
Members of Rite Aid’s free customer loyalty program, wellness+,
will also earn 25 points when they get their flu shot (prescriptions
paid for in whole or in part by state or federal healthcare programs
such as Medicare or Medicaid and prescriptions filled in New York and
New Jersey are not eligible by law for accrual of points).
Rite Aid pharmacists are also able to administer vaccinations for 12
other diseases, such as pertussis (whooping cough), shingles and
pneumonia, subject to state regulations. To learn more about Rite Aid’s
year-round immunization program, visit www.riteaid.com.
Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains
with more than 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia
and fiscal 2012 annual revenues of $26.1 billion. Information about Rite
Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available
through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.