Rite Aid gears up for flu season

CAMP HILL, Pa. This flu season, more than 2,900 Rite Aid pharmacies are offering regular seasonal flu shots, and starting Sept. 1, flu shot locations and clinic dates will be available at www.riteaid.com or by calling (866) 751-1494, the drug chain announced Monday morning.

More than 2,000 certified immunizing pharmacists in more than 1,500 Rite Aid stores will give regular seasonal flu shots now and throughout the flu season. In those locations without an immunizing pharmacist, Rite Aid has contracted a third-party vaccination provider.

Rite Aid is currently in discussions with federal, state and local health department officials around the possibility of securing and administering H1N1 vaccine, the company added.

Rite Aid pharmacists are also available to counsel customers and answer questions about both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.

The No. 3 druggist also has been stocking up on such supplies as alcohol-based hand sanitizers/hand rubs, thermometers, masks and other flu-related items in anticipation of a busy season. Stores also are stocked with the prescription medications Tamiflu and Relenza for those patients whose doctor has recommended they take one of these medications or should have a prescription ready if they do require the medications.

The CDC is asking individuals and families to be prepared with flu-related supplies in the event of sickness, so they can avoid making trips out in public while sick and contagious. They also are recommending those who are sick to stay out of schools and businesses to avoid spreading the flu.

Many Rite Aid pharmacists already have been giving regular seasonal flu shots following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advice that anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of getting the regular seasonal flu get a flu shot as soon as they are available.

Information about regular seasonal flu and the novel H1N1 flu also will be available at www.riteaid.com.