Rite Aid kicks off 2021-2022 flu vaccine availability

With the 2021-22 flu season around the corner, Rite Aid is making flu vaccines available chainwide. The retailer also is expanding its COVID-19 online scheduling tool to include flu and other vaccinations, allowing for patients to schedule an appointment or walk-in for flu shots.

The efforts come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that influenza infection rates could return to pre-pandemic levels this season. Rite Aid will be offering three different vaccines — a quadrivalent vaccine, effective against two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B; FLUAD, a quadrivalent vaccine with an adjuvant, meant to stimulate a stronger immune response in patients 65 years old and older; and Fluzone HD, a high-dose quadrivalent vaccine for patients 65 years old and older.

“With an in-person school year upon us and some people going back to the office, the last thing anyone wants is to have their lives derailed by flu,” said Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Rite Aid. “We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for our customers to take care of their family’s health, and extending online scheduling to flu, shingles and the full slate of vaccines is one great example of Rite Aid doing just that. Whether they choose to walk in or schedule their vaccine in advance, we aim to make it simple and convenient for our customers to get their flu shots and other vaccines to achieve whole health for life.”