Rite Aid makes flu shots available
All of Rite Aid’s locations are now offering flu shots for the upcoming flu season. The chain is encouraging all age groups to get flu shots as soon as possible to bolster their immune systems and minimize the number of flu hospitalizations this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
"Rite Aid has remained on the front lines helping communities during these challenging times, and our team of certified immunizing pharmacists are the whole-being health advocates customers can depend on for guidance this flu season," said Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Rite Aid. "Our trusted pharmacists are here seven days a week to offer a holistic approach to keeping our communities as healthy as possible, including insight into ancillary vaccines, as well as vitamins, supplements and wellness products that can support immunity and overall health."
Health providers and government agencies are warning that a potential second wave of COVID-19 could coincide with flu season, underscoring the importance of getting a flu shot and other vaccinations. Rite Aid said that its pharmacists can offer counseling about vaccinations that can help offer protection from preventable illness.
“At a time when our health care system is still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, protecting our communities from the flu is more important than ever,” said Rite Aid chief medical officer Dr. Kel Riley. “We are prepared to immunize more individuals and families during the upcoming flu season than in any previous year. As COVID-19 and flu season collide, the role of our pharmacists defending the health and wellness of our communities is more critical than ever before.”
Rite Aid said that this yar it is offering a quadrivalent flu vaccine, FLUAD trivalent vaccine with an adjuvant for patients 65 years old and older, high-dose Fluzone HD for older patients, and egg-free Flublok.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that everyone 6 months old and older get a flu shot early, since it takes roughly two weeks for antibodies to become effective after vaccination. Rite Aid noted that most insurance plans and Medicare Part B cover flu shots, which the retailer is offering during pharmacy hours with no appointment required.