By The Associated Press
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Drugstore chain Rite Aid Corp. is changing a flu-shot policy that required pregnant women to first get a doctor's prescription.
Spokeswoman Cheryl Slavinsky of the Camp Hill, Pa.-based company said now, where state law allows, pregnant women seeking a flu shot at a Rite Aid store can get one without a prescription.
Walgreen Co. and CVS Caremark Corp. say they do not require pregnant women to have a doctor's note.
It has long been more difficult for pregnant women to get a flu shot, partly because many obstetricians don't vaccinate and some pharmacists are wary of vaccinating them.
Dr. Thomas Bader, director for general obstetrics and gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, says it is important to remove barriers that prevent pregnant women from getting vaccinated.