Need a flu shot? These stores offer rewards if you get vaccinated. What to know
Coupons, gift cards and cash are being offered as incentives as retailers encourage customers to roll up their sleeves for the flu vaccine.
Flu activity tends to ramp up in the fall and getting the shot is the best way to stave off illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices suggests most people get vaccinated in September and October, though those in high-risk groups can get the shot as early as June, according to the CDC’s website.
The recommendation comes amid fears of a possible uptick in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and RSV, heading into flu season. The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans, though it’s best to double check with your provider.
Here’s where you can get rewarded for getting vaccinated:
CVS Pharmacy
CVS ExtraCare cardholders earn $5 off $20 to use on a future in-store purchase when they get a flu shot, or any immunization.
The coupon will be emailed after vaccination, according to the retailer’s website. The offer is limited to one per customer, per eligible vaccine and expires Dec. 31.
The deal comes with a few exclusions, however, and isn’t valid at Target or Schnucks stores. MinuteClinic locations in Arkansas, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island are also excluded.
Walgreens
Reward members will receive $10 in Walgreens Cash Rewards to use on a future in-store purchase, according to the store’s website. The offer isn’t valid in New York, New Jersey and Arkansas, however.
Only one coupon can be used per transaction and expires Dec. 31.
Rite Aid
Rite Aid is offering reward members $5 off a $25 purchase when they get the flu vaccine, the drugstore’s website says. Customers must show the coupon along with their Rite Aid Rewards number to get the discount.
The offer is limited to one per transaction and can’t be combined with other offers. Additionally, the coupon can’t be used on prescription co-pays, tobacco, alcohol and gift cards, among other items.
Members have until Sunday, Oct. 8, before the offer expires.
Sam’s Club
Members who get a flu shot at a Sam’s Club through Sept. 24 will receive $5 off their next in-club purchase, according to a news release. The coupon is applied automatically during purchase at a register or scan-and-go checkout.
There are a few exclusions, however.
Coupons are limited to one per member, the release said. Vaccinations at mobile clinics aren’t eligible, and the coupon can’t be used online or with curbside pickup.
Harris Teeter
The North Carolina-based grocer will reward shoppers with 50 fuel points for getting the flu vaccine at a Harris Teeter pharmacy. Appointments are encouraged.
Additional information wasn’t immediately available.
Winn-Dixie
Customers can get up to $20 to spend on groceries when they get vaccinated, according to the store’s website.
A $10 coupon will be awarded for flu or COVID shots. To receive the full $20, shoppers must get a flu or COVID shot and another qualifying vaccine in the same sitting.
A Winn-Dixie rewards account is required, however. Coupons are limited to one per customer and must be shown at the time of purchase.
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