Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Reports Early Signs of Increased Flu Activity, Expects Further Increases in Coming Weeks
CAMP HILL, Pa., 2014-12-4 — /EPR Retail News/ — In support of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Rite Aid is reducing the price of flu shots by $5 to encourage people who have not yet received their annual flu shot to get vaccinated. From now through December 13, flu shots will be available from Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists at Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide at a reduced price of only $26.99*, subject to state regulations. Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.
“With flu activity expected to increase over the next several weeks, it’s important for people to know that it’s not too late to get a flu shot,” said Robert Thompson, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. “We are encouraging our customers who haven’t done so already to visit their local Rite Aid and conveniently get vaccinated against the flu during National Influenza Vaccination Week.”
Created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005, National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and running nose. Additional information about the upcoming flu season can be found at www.cdc.gov.
Last month, Rite Aid launched Vaccine Central, an assessment tool where visitors can complete an immunization evaluation, track their personal immunization history and find other educational resources on immunizations available at Rite Aid. 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 Vaccine Central, visit www.riteaid.com/vaccinecentral.
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2014 annual revenues of $25.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.
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*Vaccines available while supplies last. Age restrictions apply in some states. See pharmacist for details. Discount applies to standard trivalent flu shot only thru 12/13/14.
Contact:
Media: Kristin Kellum 717-975-5713