Regular Seasonal Flu Clinics In Select Rite Aid West Coast Stores Cancelled By Outside Provider; Rite Aid Pharmacists Continue to Give Regular Seasonal Flu Shots In Select West Coast Stores

October Clinics in Select East Coast Stores Continue as Planned

Rite Aid Immunizing Pharmacists Continue to Give Regular Seasonal Flu Shots Nationwide

Camp Hill, PA . - Mollen Immunization Clinics, the nurse clinic provider scheduled to administer regular seasonal flu shots at select Rite Aid stores in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington, has notified Rite Aid it has cancelled the clinics scheduled today through mid-December. Regular seasonal flu shots still can be obtained from certified immunizing Rite Aid pharmacists in select West Coast Rite Aid stores.

Mollen Immunization Clinics said it must cancel the clinics because of a shortage of the regular seasonal flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said the shortage stems from manufacturers focusing on producing the H1N1 flu vaccine.

In all other states where Rite Aid operates, regular seasonal flu shot clinics will continue as planned October 20, 21 and 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. Rite Aid said its own more than 2,000 certified immunizing pharmacists in more than 1,500 stores nationwide continue to administer the regular seasonal flu vaccine and will do so as long as regular seasonal flu vaccine supplies last.

Details on Rite Aid stores with immunizing pharmacists and flu shot clinics can be found at www.riteaid.com or by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494. After locating a Rite Aid store with an immunizing pharmacist, customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary.

In addition to regular seasonal flu shots, pneumococcal shots for pneumonia also are being offered by Rite Aid immunizing pharmacists. Many insurance plans cover the cost of the shots. Most customers with Medicare will have no co-pay. State regulations vary as to types of immunization that may be given by pharmacists and age requirements.

For details on who should get a flu shot, information on the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, symptoms, tips on preventing the flu and frequently asked questions and answers, visit www.flu.gov or www.riteaid.com. Rite Aid pharmacists also can counsel patients and answer questions about both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.

Rite Aid also recently changed its policy requiring prescriptions for vaccinations for pregnant women. Where permitted by state law, Rite Aid will no longer require a prescription and will provide all vaccinations, including flu shots, appropriate for pregnant women.

To ensure the needs of pediatric patients are met during the current shortage of Tamiflu Oral Suspension (liquid), Rite Aid pharmacists are trained and prepared to compound children’s doses of Tamiflu. The compounding involves using the ingredients from Tamiflu capsules and Ora-Sweet Sugar Free Syrup which is a Food and Drug Administration-approved method of preparation until more children’s doses can be manufactured.

Rite Aid has registered with federal, state and local health department officials as its more than 2,000 immunizing pharmacists could be a convenient source for distributing the H1N1 vaccine. Some Rite Aid stores will be providing the H1N1 vaccine later this fall.