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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer expects its pharmacists to administer 40% more flu shots this season than last year due to increased demand, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based chain, which operates 203 stores in the Midwest, said walk-in services and new options for flu shots had made it easier and more appealing for families to get vaccinated.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales increased last month despite being offset by slightly lower front-end same-store sales and new generic drug introductions, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

During the four-week period that ended Saturday, same-store sales increased 1.9% compared with September 2012. The increase included a 0.5% decrease in front-end comps and a 3.1% increase in pharmacy comps, offset by 1% due to new generics. Same-store prescription count increased by 0.9%.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark is recognizing its pharmacists' efforts to improve patient care as part of American Pharmacists Month, which is sponsored by the American Pharmacists Association and lasts through October, the company said Thursday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — With an ongoing need for consumer education and awareness to help people understand their health insurance options under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Walgreens and Chicago-based GoHealth on Thursday announced a nationwide initiative and collaboration to assist customers and help provide a resource for those considering the new health insurance marketplaces.   

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam’s Club maintains its emphasis on health care this month with a health event tied in with breast cancer awareness.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Sam's Club is offering free women's health screenings to members and non-members on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its 576 clubs that contain a pharmacy.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — Drug Store News has learned that Mary Kelly has been appointed EVP and chief merchandising officer at Rexall Pharma Plus. Kelly, who has more than 26 years experience leading business teams in Canada and the United States, joins the company after four years at Shoppers Drug Mart, most recently as EVP, merchandising and category management. Prior to that, Kelly served 17 years at Target in a  variety of key leadership positions in merchandising and pharmacy, and at Revco Drug Stores and Eli Lilly before that.  

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday posted September sales of $5.9 billion, an increase of 8% as compared with the same month in fiscal 2013.

Total front-end sales increased 4.1%, while comparable store front-end sales increased 2.9%. Customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 0.8% while basket size increased 3.7%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In preparation for flu season, actress Amanda Peet, ambassador of the UN Foundation's Shot@Life program, received her annual flu shot at Walgreens' flagship store in New York City to support its "Get a Shot, Give a Shot" campaign.

As a mother, actress and ambassador to the UN Foundation's Shot@Life program, Peet spoke about the importance of providing life-saving vaccinations to children in need across the globe.