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 increase in the fall and the shot is the best way to prevent illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices suggests that most people get vaccinated in September and October, although 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 rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and RSV, heading into flu season. The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans, although 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 December 31.

However, the deal comes with a few exclusions and is not valid at Target or Schnucks stores. MinuteClinic locations in Arkansas, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island are also excluded.

Walgreens

Rewards members will receive $10 in Walgreens Cash Rewards to use on a future in-store purchase, according to the store’s website. However, the offer is not valid in New York, New Jersey and Arkansas.

Only one coupon can be used per transaction and expires December 31.

Rite Aid

Rite Aid is offering rewards members $5 off a $25 purchase when they get the flu shot, the drugstore’s website says. Customers must show the coupon along with their Rite Aid Rewards number to receive the discount.

The offer is limited to one per transaction and cannot be combined with other offers. Additionally, the coupon cannot be used on prescription co-pays, tobacco, alcohol and gift cards, among other items.

Members have until Sunday, October 8 before the offer expires.

Sam’s Club

Members who get a flu shot at a Sam’s Club through September 24 will receive $5 off their next in-club purchase, according to a news release. The coupon is automatically applied when purchasing at a register or scan-and-go checkout.

However, there are a few exceptions.

Coupons are limited to one per member, the release said. Vaccinations at mobile clinics are not eligible, and the coupon cannot be used online or with curbside pickup.

Harris Teeter

The North Carolina retailer will reward shoppers with 50 fuel points for getting the flu shot at a Harris Teeter pharmacy. Especially be encouraged.

Additional information was not immediately available.

Winn-Dixie

Customers can get up to $20 to spend on groceries if 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, buyers must receive a flu or COVID shot and another qualifying vaccine in the same session.

However, a Winn-Dixie rewards account is required. Coupons are limited to one per customer and must be presented at the time of purchase.