Rite Aid Offering Flu Shots to NYC Commuters

Rite Aid pharmacists will be available to administer flu shots to adults aged 18 and older during the “Rite Aid Shield Yourself, New York” event at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall on October 5 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and October 6 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) in New York. For every flu shot administered at the event, Rite Aid will donate $3 to Tuesday’s Children, a nonprofit organization that supports the families of 9/11 victims and first responders.

Rite Aid will also distribute free donation tickets to commuters passing through Vanderbilt Hall both days. Now through November 30, 2011, Rite Aid will donate $3 to Tuesday’s Children for everyone who presents a Grand Central Terminal donation ticket when purchasing a flu shot or flu shot gift card at any Rite Aid. Flu shots cost $27.99 and are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the flu and pneumonia result in the deaths of more than 2,000 New Yorkers every year. However, despite the fact that an annual flu shot is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, just 27% of New Yorkers are vaccinated each year, according to the Department of Health.

“We’ve chosen Grand Central Terminal to call attention to the importance of New Yorkers—especially those using mass transit—shieldding themselves from the flu,” said John Learish, Rite Aid senior vice president of marketing, in a statement. “We’re very pleased to give our New York customers the added benefit of making a donation to Tuesday’s Children on their behalf when they protect themselves and their families by getting a flu shot from a Rite Aid pharmacist.”

Terry Sears, executive director of Tuesday’s Children, noted that the organization is “very grateful to Rite Aid for its support… as we continue to serve thousands of 9/11 families and individuals who still struggle even a decade after the events September 11. “Rite Aid’s generosity will be a real shot in the arm—helping us to maintain, and expand, many of our most important programs.”

Rite Aid makes offers flu shots without appointments in all Rite Aid pharmacies throughout the New York Metro area. Patients can visit any Rite Aid pharmacy nationwide and receive a flu shot, subject to state regulations, during pharmacy hours. New York law allows pharmacists to administer the influenza or pneumococcal vaccines to patients 18 years or older.

To locate the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITE-AID. Patients who receive a flu shot at Rite Aid will receive a free coupon booklet that offers over $100 in savings, while supplies last. The booklet includes savings on health and wellness, beauty and household items and other products available at Rite Aid.