Rite Aid Awarded American Pharmacists Association's Award For 2011-12 Immunization Program

In recognition of its multi-faceted 2011-12 pharmacy immunization program, Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) has been honored with the American Pharmacists Association's Immunization Champion Award in the national corporation/institution category. Rite Aid officials will accept the award March 11 in New Orleans at the 2012 Annual Meeting and Exposition for APhA, the oldest and largest professional society for pharmacists and related professions in the United States.

Rite Aid was recognized for its comprehensive program that included using the APhA Immunization Certificate Training Program to train more than 11,000 pharmacists chainwide to administer vaccines as permitted by state regulations, to children, adolescent and adult patients. All Rite Aid pharmacists are able to administer flu shots, and in a December 2011 investor call, the company reported more than 1.4 million flu shots – more than double last year's total – had been administered.

“Rite Aid made a company-wide commitment to boosting public immunization rates for flu and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It's an honor to be recognized by our peers, American Pharmacists Association, for our efforts,” said Robert I. Thompson, Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy. “I'd like to thank all Rite Aid pharmacists, as well as our store and corporate support teams, for making this valuable pharmacy service available to the communities we serve.”

In explaining the designation, APhA recognized Rite Aid's comprehensive approach to developing and executing its chainwide immunization program, which spanned at least eight internal departments responsible for:

• Reaching customers in stores and via radio, social media, print and special community events;
• Securing an ample supply of flu vaccine starting in August when experts advised health care professionals to begin flu immunizations;
• Creating unique partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, the military, senior expos, high school sporting events, home-bound senior advocacy groups, educational institutions and pro sports teams;
• Collaborating with health care organizations to allow medical billing of flu shots at pharmacies; and
• Advocating on the behalf of pharmacists, including promoting and supporting legislation, to expand patient access to vaccines from their community pharmacist.

APhA further recognized Rite Aid for increasing public access to more than a dozen vaccines where allowed by state law. Rite Aid reported high vaccination levels against flu, shingles, pneumococcal and whooping cough.