CINCINNATI — Kroger has announced that it is offering early flu vaccinations for patients within its 1,900 pharmacy locations nationwide and at the 79 Little Clinic locations in select stores.

The flu shots are administered by Kroger pharmacists or Little Clinic nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

"Health experts recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step to protect against seasonal flu viruses," Kroger VP pharmacy Lincoln Lutz said. "Kroger's family of stores offers a variety of options to our customers, including needle-free flu vaccinations available in many locations and a customized Workplace Flu program to help companies provide for their employees."

Kroger pharmacists and Little Clinic nurses administered more than 1 million flu vaccinations during the 2010-2011 flu season.