COVID-19 Vaccine Expanded Eligibility & All Three FDA-Authorized Vaccines

EXPANDED VACCINE ELIGIBILITY & ALL THREE FDA-AUTHORIZED VACCINES AT RITE AID Rite Aid is pleased to announce two major advancements in our effort to vaccinate as many people as possible against COVID-19. As a proud partner in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP), Rite Aid is able to administer federally-provided doses of all three FDA-authorized vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson), with availability ramping up over time. We have also expanded our eligibility criteria to include teachers, school staff and childcare workers in the six states and two local jurisdictions we currently serve under the FRPP. This update is based on new guidance from the federal government and in partnership with states and jurisdictions. VACCINE AVAILABILITY AND LIMITED SUPPLY Supply is limited, and we are working tirelessly to vaccinate as many people as our allocation allows. Until enough supply is available to provide vaccines at all store locations, the FRPP allows us to administer doses in six states and two local jurisdictions: ·   California ·   Michigan ·   New Jersey ·   Ohio ·   Pennsylvania ·   Washington State ·   Philadelphia ·   New York City We may also receive allocation directly from additional state and local jurisdictions. It’s important to note that doses are currently limited, and Rite Aid doesn’t determine vaccine supply or which individual groups are eligible. (Federal health authorities determine allocation of doses, while state and local jurisdictions determine eligibility requirements for retail pharmacies). Please check our eligibility guide, which is updated frequently, for more information. VACCINE FAQs: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW What are the differences between the three vaccines? All three vaccines have proven to be equally effective at preventing hospitalization and death related to COVID-19. While Moderna and Pfizer require two doses and strict cold storage requirements, the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose and can be kept in regular refrigerators (potentially making transportation and distribution easier). In U.S. trials, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 72% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 after one dose. The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective and the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses. Will I be able to choose which vaccine I get? Not at this time. All three FDA-authorized vaccines are effective, and each of our pharmacies typically only carry one type of vaccine. For more information, visit our Vaccine FAQs. HOW TO STAY SAFE We know you may feel anxious and want to schedule your vaccination right away. There are several steps you can take to make sure you stay healthy: Mask up – the right way For more protection, try the “double mask” method from the CDC: wear a second mask, like a cloth mask, on top of a first mask, like a medical procedure mask. A recent study found this method provided much better protection to both the wearer and others than a single mask by itself. Get tested for FREE* We're all eager to see our friends and family, but the best way to keep them safe is to get tested first. Before you spend time with loved ones, book a FREE* COVID-19 test at Rite Aid. Support your immunity Keep your immune system strong. In addition to the essentials, like vitamins C & D and zinc, try adding some other sources of immune support, like elderberry, garlic, and probiotics. WHEN YOU GET YOUR APPOINTMENT An important note about over-the-counter pain relievers You may feel pain or experience swelling on the arm where you get the shot. These side effects are normal, and should go away in a few days. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help if these symptoms occur. Some experience more severe side effects after their required second dose. Please note: do not take pain relievers before your appointment as it may impact the effectiveness of your vaccine. STAY SAFE AFTER YOUR VACCINATION Wear A Mask Avoid Crowds Stay at least 6 feet away Wash your hands often OUR ACTIONS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE We are encouraged by the progress of the vaccine effort, but the risk of spreading COVID-19 still exists. Let’s all do our part to keep ourselves and our communities safe so we can all get back to thriving. Take care, Jocelyn Z. Konrad Executive Vice President Chief Pharmacy Officer Rite Aid View Email Online You are receiving this email because you are registered for wellness+ rewards at Rite Aid. 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