Kmart Offers Free Back-To-School Flu Shots

By Farrah Turenne

Many studies have documented the high rates at which African Americans are hospitalized or even die from the flu every year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control research, in 2010 hospitalization rates from flu were 83 percent higher among African Americans than Whites.

Flu shot rates in African-American communities are lower than all others studied and children are the least likely to receive an annual flu shot.

So, during this back-to-school shopping season, Kmart is offering a coupon for a free flu shot to anyone who makes a single purchase of $100 between July 22 and August 12. The only catch is that you must be a member of their Shop Your Way member rewards program (which is free to join). *

This is such a key area of awareness for the community – something as simple as a flu shot could save your life. Especially for children as they are exposed to so many germs in the classroom! This is one of the easy things that everyone can do to keep their families healthy.

*(Kmart Free Flu Shots Info:  Offer valid in-store only. Coupons prints at register. Limit one coupon per transaction. Not available in all stores. Age restrictions apply. Coupon redeemable between 9/23/12 and 10/20/12, while supplies last. Appointments must be made by 9/8/12.)

And because back-to-school shopping trips can put a strain on a family’s budget, especially with today’s tough economic conditions, Kmart is providing its customers with back-to-school offers including five percent off layaway purchases, special pricing, and perks for Shop Your Way members.

“Kmart is committed to helping manage back-to-school expenses by offering customers additional ways to pay, including five percent off of their layaways,” says Andy Stein, interim chief marketing officer for the store.

Shoppers receive five percent off new in-store layaway purchases until August 25.  For customers who prefer to manage their expenses online, Kmart also offers online layaway.

Back to campus shoppers can leverage this service to eliminate some of their moving logistics; they can shop online at home and pick up the items at the Kmart store nearest their campus.

On top of the financial services offered by Kmart to manage back-to-school expenses, Kmart’s Shop Your Way loyalty program offers members additional ways to save through special weekly deals and extra perks including gas rewards coupon to save 10 cents, 20 cents or 30 cents per gallon at Speedway with qualifying purchases of $50-$99.99, $100-$149.99, and $150 or more respectively.