Rite Aid Pharmacies to Host Flu & Pneumonia Shot Clinics October 21-23 at Nearly 1,300 Locations

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nearly 1,300 Rite Aid pharmacies will offer a one-day flu clinic on October 21, 22 or 23 to help patients stay healthy this season. Flu shots are available at no cost for patients with Medicare Part B health coverage and $30 for all other patients; pneumonia shots are available for $45. A list of participating locations and the date and time of each clinic is available on the Rite Aid website, www.riteaid.com, or by calling 1-866-751-1494.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in an average year 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, and the virus causes 36,000 deaths (mostly among those age 65 or older) and 200,000 hospitalizations. The CDC advises that the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot each fall.

“Rite Aid is committed to offering our patients programs and services to help them live healthier lives,” said Robert Thompson, senior vice president, pharmacy operations for Rite Aid. “By offering flu and pneumonia shots we hope to help decrease the number of illnesses and keep our communities healthy this coming flu season.”

Flu shots will be given at participating Rite Aid pharmacies from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21; Wednesday, October 22 or Thursday, October 23. No appointment is necessary, and shots will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. All vaccinations will be administered by licensed healthcare professionals. Most patients can be accommodated at the flu clinics, however some health and age restrictions may apply. Patients should talk to the provider onsite to discuss specific circumstances.

More than 1,200 Rite Aid pharmacists throughout the country are specially trained to offer vaccinations throughout the year for patients age 11 or older (patients must be age 18 or older in some states). For additional information on pharmacies that offer year-round immunizations, including those for diseases like hepatitis A and B and shingles, visit www.riteaid.com. In addition, patients can receive flu shots and other vaccinations at Lindora Health, Sutter Express Care, St. Alphonsus Express Care and MultiCare Express in-store clinics located inside select Rite Aid pharmacies year round.

Flu season typically begins in the United States in mid-October and continues through mid-May, with the highest concentration of cases occurring between December and April. Flu symptoms include headache, chills, body aches, fever, fatigue, sore throat and dry cough.

According to the CDC, some groups are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu, including:

-Children from 6 months through age 18 years and adults age 50 and older

-Individuals with long-term health problems like diabetes; heart, kidney or lung disease; asthma; anemia or other blood disorders

-Individuals with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy)

-Individuals whose immune response may be suppressed because of cancer treatment or HIV/AIDS

-Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

-Residents of chronic care facilities

-People in close or frequent contact with high-risk groups, e.g., caregivers and healthcare workers.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with more than 4,900 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at http://www.riteaid.com.