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Rite Aid to Administer MMR Vaccines in Ohio

Zacks Equity Research

In order to counter the alarming rise in mumps and measles cases in Ohio, Rite Aid Corporation (RAD) has decided to adminster MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines in Ohio. These vaccines suited for individuals aged 18 and above, are being administered as an emergency order under Governor John Kasich.

The vaccines have become necessary as Ohio’s Public Health department registered 300 measles cases and more than 400 cases of mumps year to date, earning it the dubious distinction of the state with the highest number of such cases. Apart from treating measles, mumps and rubella, these injections will also protect patients from nine additional diseases on the basis of guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.V).

Also, according to the CDC guidelines, though young kids receive the MMR injection from their chief doctors, every other individual between the ages 18 - 58 must receive at least one dose of the same unless they have taken it earlier or already contracted any of the three diseases. Pregnant women are, however, prohibited from taking this vaccine.

The vaccines are accessible at select pharmacies operated by Rite Aid during the regular store hours without any prior appointment. Alongside, these MMR vaccines fall under the purview of many insurance schemes and are reimbursable depending on the patient’s insurance plan.

Presently, over 70 of Rite Aid’s stores have started stocking MMR vaccines in counties including Clark, Ashtabula, Ashland, Cuyahoga, Medina, and Portage. Excluding these counties, the MMR injections can also be ordered at other pharmacies on special request, which reflects the company’s focus on providing convenience via easy access to patients.

Rite Aid is the third largest drugstore retailer in terms of number of stores after Walgreen Co. (WAG) and CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS). Rite Aid’s sustained commitment towards enhancing pharmacy and clinical services through the recently initiated Rite Aid Health Alliance or its Wellness+ customer loyalty program, along with the remodeling of its wellness stores, bode well for the future.

We believe that such measures will enable the company to broaden its customer base and boost the top and bottom lines.

However, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) as the company’s recently reported earnings of 4 cents per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 exhibited a steep decline from the comparable year-ago period’s earnings of 9 cents.

Another better-ranked stock in the same industry includes Herbalife Ltd. (HLF), which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Read the Full Research Report on RAD
Read the Full Research Report on CVS
Read the Full Research Report on WAG
Read the Full Research Report on HLF


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