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More Than 500 California Rite Aid Pharmacies Vaccinating Against Whooping Cough

^{Published on 2010-09-27 10:45:30 - Market Wire}
 

CAMP HILL, Pa.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Pharmacists at more than 500 Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) stores in California are playing a bigger role in public health than ever in the push to raise whooping cough (pertussis) immunity levels. The highly contagious bacterial infection a" now on pace to break California epidemic levels not seen in 50 years, according to state health officials a" is among 14 common diseases for which Rite Aid's certified immunizing pharmacists can provide vaccinations.

"Helping protect against whooping cough in California is just another example of how convenient neighborhood Rite Aid pharmacists can help the community stay healthy"

The California Department of Public Health recently expanded recommendations to urge anyone age 7 and over without full immunity get vaccinated. Patients should consult with their doctor or pharmacist to determine whether they would benefit from an additional shot. While California is among the majority of states requiring school children to get vaccinated, full immunity is impossible at a very young age. Nine infants have died as a result. Rite Aid pharmacists in California can vaccinate anyone age 7 and over against whooping cough, while the chain's age minimum is 3 for other vaccines depending on state regulations and guidelines from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

"Helping protect against whooping cough in California is just another example of how convenient neighborhood Rite Aid pharmacists can help the community stay healthy," said Robert Thompson, Rite Aid Executive Vice President, Pharmacy. "Administering these shots is part of Rite Aid's expanded national immunization program with more than 7,000 pharmacists in more than 3,000 stores vaccinating patients against flu, pneumonia and up to a dozen other highly infectious diseases."

Patients in California and nationwide can go online to [ www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/immunization/ ] to locate the most convenient Rite Aid pharmacy where immunizations are available. Patients are urged to call first to check availability and for questions on health insurance, which may cover some of the cost of a vaccination, and walk-ins are accepted whenever possible.

Other vaccines available at Rite Aid stores in California include those against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, human papillomavirus, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, shingles, tetanus, diptheria, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Vaccine availability varies by state due to state regulations. State regulations and approved vaccine use also may limit Rite Aid pharmacists from vaccinating certain age groups.

Rite Aid is one of the nationa™s leading drugstore chains with more than 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2010 annual revenues of $25.7 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the companya™s website at [ http://www.riteaid.com ].

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