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HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Aug. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --ÌýKnocking back-to-school shopping off the to-do list isn't the only thing families can do at Kmart this summer -- they can also knock out the flu. Kmart is kicking off flu season with pharmacies fulfilling the promise of a one-stop, convenient health destination, offering flu shots and other back-to-school immunizations for the whole family.¹

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which can cause mild to severe illness, or even more serious outcomes.² The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year. By visiting a Kmart Pharmacy, customers can receive $0 [no cost] flu shots with most insurance plans* and with no appointment needed.

"Our message is simple this season – Kmart is offering a convenient, early start to knocking out the flu," said Jennifer Speares Lehman, registered pharmacist and director for Kmart Pharmacy. "Many forget that back-to-school season means flu season isn't far behind. As people prepare, we want to remind customers that Kmart can provide flu and other back-to-school immunizations to fulfill your family's health needs."

The CDC estimates that less than half of adults were vaccinated last flu season, with childhood rates just below 60 percent.³ Even more concerning is a poll sponsored by CityMD, an urgent care center network, that found 52 percent of adults aged 18-34 didn't plan to get the flu shot during last year's season, and 25 percent blamed cost as the main deterrent.⁴

The physical burden of flu is bad enough; however, the cost of catching flu can be staggering. A 2016 study from the University of North Carolina estimated that American adults sick with flu cost the economy about $5.8 billion annually in medical visits, medication and lost productivity.⁵ While catching the flu can be costly, Kmart believes knocking it out with a flu shot shouldn't be, offering $0 [no cost] flu shots with most insurance plans*.

Kmart's commitment to its members doesn't stop with administering flu shots. In an effort to offer a well-rounded health experience with Kmart's "Care Beyond the Counter" approach, the pharmacy team helps customers select over the counter healthcare items. This is another reason why Kmart Pharmacy is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.⁶

Please visit for more information and additional resources. To find a nearby Kmart Pharmacy location, visit KmartPharmacy.com.

About Kmart

A subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), Kmart makes shopping fun for everyone. Most recognized for the iconic Bluelight Special and family-friendly in-store events for its customers and ®Ìýmembers, Kmart also boasts ridiculously awesome savings and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith,ÌýAdam Levine, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense. In addition to its unique offerings and thrilling deals, Kmart offers a variety of financial services including year-round layaway and leasing options. Kmart Pharmacy also features best-in-class patient care for its members and customers and . For more information, visit , download the Kmart mobile app or follow the conversation on social with #LifeIsRidiculouslyAwesome.

*No copayment unless required by your plan. Cash Price of the Trivalent flu shot is $27.99.

¹ Vaccine administration is dependent on state pharmacy laws and regulations.
² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2017. "About Flu."
³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2016. "Flu Vaccination Coverage, United States, 2015-16 Influenza Season."
⁴ CityMD 2016. "More than Half of Millennials Not Planning to Get Flu Shot."
⁵ Ozawa, Sachiko, et al. 2016 "The Economic Burden of US Adult Vaccine Avoidance: $8.95 Billion In 2015."
⁶ American Customer Satisfaction Index 2017. "Health and Personal Care Stores."

SOURCE Kmart