Growing spread of flu prompts Rite Aid to increase vaccination promotion efforts

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stepping up its flu shot promotions as flu activity increases.

The retail pharmacy chain said Monday that seasonal flu shots were still available at all its stores, and that people who have not received a shot this season should do so as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.

In announcing its third-quarter 2014 earnings last month, the 4,592-store chain said it administered 2.4 million flu shots during the season and expected to meet its goal of administering 2.5 million during the fiscal year.

The CDC said also last month that flu activity was picking up in the South, with high activity reported in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, while moderate activity was reported in Oklahoma. Still, a National Consumers League study released around the same time found persistent misconceptions about the safety and efficacy of flu vaccines, with large percentages of adults saying they had not received vaccinations.