Kmart offering discount flu shots, with loyalty card points

With flu season at its peak and the possibility of cases occurring as late as May this year, Kmart announced it 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 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). 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. The CDC recommends that anyone six months or older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions, get a flu shot.

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.