Kmart® Makes Flu Shots More Affordable at Peak of Flu Season

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With flu season at its peak and the possibility of cases occurring as late as May this year, Kmart is offering $15 flu shots, while supplies last, beginning Feb. 20, 2011 to customers who have yet to be vaccinated. Those who purchase a flu vaccination and are members of the Shop Your Way Rewards(1) program will also earn 15,000 points, which represent a $15 value.

While flu shots are often associated with the fall and winter seasons, influenza is unpredictable and can occur as late as May, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(2). In fact, the CDC indicates that the extent of the geographic spread of influenza has been increasing throughout the season and in recent February updates, has been reported as widespread in 37 states(3). The CDC recommends that anyone six months or older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions, get a flu shot.

"As Kmart Pharmacy gears up to provide customers with additional influenza immunizations, we want to remind people that the virus is easily transferable, and the best and easiest way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual vaccination," said Robb Ayshford, divisional vice president, pharmacy administration for Kmart. "For those seeking more information about influenza, our staff of knowledgeable on-site Kmart Pharmacists is also available to answer flu or other health-related questions on how to help combat illness as the season progresses."

The flu virus is most commonly transferred through sneezing or coughing, but a person can also become infected by coming into contact with a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touching his or her mouth or nose. This year's vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus) and will also be administered for free to those covered by Medicare Part B.

The flu shots are available at more than 500 convenient Kmart Pharmacy locations and are administered by trained practitioners. Kmart pharmacists are also available to answer any questions customers may have about the flu vaccine and how flu might affect their families. To learn more about hours of operation or to find the nearest location, call 1-800-822-8345 or visit www.Kmart.com/pharmacy.

About Shop Your Way Rewards(SM)

In addition to the special flu vaccination offer, the Shop Your Way Rewards program has also incorporated new improvements since its introduction, so loyal customers can earn more rewards in even more ways and formats. Now, members can earn 10 points for every $1 spent on qualifying goods and services across Sears, Kmart, Lands' End, mygofer and the great indoors—in store and online. And points can be redeemed on almost every purchase, from a new winter jacket at Lands' End, to a car repair at a Sears Auto Center, to home goods at Kmart and more. Plus, by providing your email address, you can earn bonus points of 2X, 3X, 5X, 10X and more. For more information about Shop Your Way Rewards, visit www.shopyourwayrewards.com.

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Country Living, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information, visit the company's website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

(1) Members earn Points on Qualifying Purchases. Subject to full program terms available at shopyourwayrewards.com. Offers are available only to Shop Your Way Rewards Members with valid email addresses or mobile phone numbers in their Member Profiles. It may take up to 7 days for points to appear on your account. Qualifying Purchases exclude sales taxes and other fees. To be eligible to earn bonus points, you must maintain a valid email address in your account and remain opted-in to receiving promotional emails from Sears Holdings and its affiliates.

(2) Center for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

(3) Center for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap

SOURCE Kmart