CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. is taking its flu shot message to the masses — that is, the masses of commuters filing through Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal.
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Dr. Joye Browne, syndicated radio host on the WOR network, stopped by Rite Aid’s "Shield Yourself" event at Manhattan’s Grand Central Station to get her flu shot. |
This Wednesday and Thursday, Rite Aid pharmacists will be on hand to administer flu vaccinations to anyone 18 years or older for the "Rite Aid Shield Yourself, New York" event at Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall. For every flu shot given, Rite Aid will donate $3 to Tuesday’s Children, the nonprofit group that supports the families of 9/11 victims and first responders.
Rite Aid said the flu vaccines, which cost $27.99, will be offered at Grand Central on Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 6 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition, the drug store chain will distribute free donation tickets to the commuters passing through Vanderbilt Hall both days. Through Nov. 30 this year, the retailer will donate $3 to Tuesday’s Children for everyone who presents a Grand Central donation ticket when purchasing a flu shot or a flu shot gift card at any Rite Aid.
"We’ve chosen Grand Central Terminal to call attention to the importance of New Yorkers — especially those using mass transit — shielding themselves from the flu," John Learish, senior vice president of marketing at Rite Aid, said 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."
New York City Department of Health phone surveys have indicated only 27% of New Yorkers are vaccinated against flu in time for the traditional start of the flu season, Rite Aid reported. the flu and pneumonia result in the deaths of over 2,000 New Yorkers each year, representing the third-leading cause of death in the city.1
Nationally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has set a goal of immunizing 80% to 90% of the population against flu.
"Tuesday’s Children is very grateful to Rite Aid for its support of our organization as we continue to serve thousands of 9/11 families and individuals who still struggle even a decade after the events Sept. 11," stated Terry Sears, executive director of Tuesday’s Children. "Rite Aid’s generosity will be a real shot in the arm, helping us to maintain and expand many of our most important programs."
*Editor’s Note: Article updated with photo.
