SHLDQ Sears Holdings Corporation (CE)

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A new online survey of Kmart shoppers, conducted on behalf of Kmart Pharmacy by the company's Member Feedback and Insights team, found that more than a third [36 percent] of shoppers choose not to get a flu shot, and almost a quarter [23 percent] state that price plays a significant role when deciding if they should get vaccinated. Kmart offers $0 [no cost] flu shots with most insurance plans, making it easy to arm you and your family against the seasonal flu. $0 flu shots are available in stores now at all Kmart Pharmacy locations. No appointment is needed to get vaccinated.

"We want our members and their families to have every opportunity to take care of their health, and the best protection against the flu is an annual flu shot," said Phil Keough, president, Kmart Pharmacy. "We are proud that Kmart is a top destination for convenient access to not only the flu shot, but all vaccines, which are covered on most insurance plans. Our experienced pharmacists make a difference to our shoppers, listening to their needs, sharing expert advice and providing attentive patient care.**"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is eligible get a flu shot. With the CDC no longer recommending the popular, needle-free FluMist vaccine, Kmart Pharmacy makes it easier than ever to get the whole family vaccinated, quickly and hassle-free by offering no cost flu shots including Trivalent and Quadravalent [high-dose] vaccines.

For those thinking it is better to get the flu than the flu vaccine, they should think otherwise. The flu can be a serious disease and Kmart Pharmacy is setting the record straight about the facts and myths related to flu:

• Myth: The flu shot does not protect me from the virus: The Kmart Pharmacy survey found that approximately 33 percent of survey respondents typically do not get a flu shot because they believe the vaccine either won't protect them or will give them the flu. This is a common misconception – the flu shot simply cannot cause the flu. In fact, the flu vaccine is intended to create a stronger immune system to keep you from not catching the bug, and lessens the chances of spreading the flu virus to others.

• Myth: I never get the flu so I do not need a flu shot: Although some individuals are more susceptible to developing serious flu-related complications than others, including children under the age of five and adults age 65 or older, no one is immune from getting the flu. The vaccine not only helps protect you, but others around you as well.

• Myth: I can't get the flu shot because I'm pregnant: The Kmart Pharmacy survey found that nearly 72 percent of survey respondents think it is not safe for pregnant women to get the flu shot. False. The flu shot is perfectly safe for pregnant women, who are especially more susceptible to developing serious illness from the flu.

• Myth: Antibiotics can help treat the flu: More than a third [35 percent] of survey respondents also believe the flu can be treated with antibiotics. However, most flus are viral illnesses, not bacterial, so antibiotics are not usually the best treatment option, which is why receiving the vaccine ahead of flu season is so important.

Shoppers are also encouraged to join Kmart Pharmacy's Shop Your Way® Pharmacy Rewards Program. Members receive $10 back in points¹ (valid for 14 days) for every five qualifying prescriptions filled – including pet prescriptions and immunizations – in a rolling 12-month period. Pharmacy Rewards members receive points for each flu shot purchased. Current and new Shop Your Way® members must enroll for the program at any Kmart Pharmacy or online at KmartPharmacy.com/rewards.https://pharmacy.kmart.com/newrx-pharmacy-rewards 

Please visit KmartPharmacy.com/flu for more information and additional resources. To find a Kmart Pharmacy location near you, visit KmartPharmacy.com.

Survey Methodology
This United States survey was conducted online by Sears Holdings on behalf of Kmart Pharmacy from Aug. 9 through Aug. 17, 2016 among over 10,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

About Kmart
Kmart is making shopping fun again. The retailer, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials, hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store family events for its Shop Your Way members and customers. Kmart offers customers thrilling deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dont-let-the-flu-catch-you--kmart-pharmacy-offers-0-flu-shots-with-most-insurance-plans-300325837.html

SOURCE Kmart