Whooping Cough Vaccine Readily Available in 139 Washington State Rite Aid Pharmacies

Washington State Department of Health Reports Spike in Whooping Cough Cases for 2015

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As the number of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) cases increases, Rite Aid is encouraging Washington residents to get vaccinated against the disease if they haven’t already done so. Rite Aid pharmacists are readily available to administer the whooping cough vaccine, Tdap, at all 139 Washington locations. Last week, the Washington State Department of Health reported an increase in the number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases this year1. There have been 319 cases of whooping cough so far in 2015 – a 551 percent increase in number of cases from 2014.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adolescents 11 and above receive the Tdap vaccine. Cost varies based on the patient's insurance coverage and the Tdap vaccines are covered by many insurance plans. Tdap vaccinations are available during pharmacy hours and no appointment is necessary. To locate the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITE-AID.

Although young children typically receive the DTaP vaccine, a series of five shots which prevents diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, from their primary health care providers as part of a regular vaccine schedule, the CDC recommends a Tdap dose between ages 11 and 12; individuals who did not receive a Tdap dose at those ages should receive one as soon as possible. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 who did not receive their full childhood schedule of DTaP may also receive their Tdap vaccine from a Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacist.

Additionally, the Tdap vaccine is recommended for healthcare professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months, including grandparents, family members and childcare providers. Women who are pregnant should get a Tdap immunization during every pregnancy to protect their newborn from whooping cough.

Named for the high-pitched “whooping” sound typically accompanying severe coughing fits, whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is particularly dangerous for infants. The CDC says about half of whooping cough patients under a year of age require hospitalization and that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the bacterial infection.

In addition to the Tdap vaccine, Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists are able to vaccinate patients against more than a dozen diseases based on the CDC’s vaccine guidelines and state regulations.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.

1. http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/Pertussis-HCP-KeyMessages2015.pdf

Rite Aid Corporation
Kristin Kellum, 717-975-5713
[email protected]

Source: Rite Aid Corporation

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