Target Corp. is serving up some savings to incentivize customers and employees to get their COVID-19 vaccination.
Minneapolis-based Target said yesterday that it will give shoppers and store associates a $5 coupon after they receive a COVID vaccine at a CVS at Target pharmacy. The coupon can be used for in-store purchases of $5 or more.
CVS Health operates more than 1,700 CVS Pharmacy locations inside Target stores. The companies began providing coronavirus immunizations to CVS at Target pharmacies in March, initially rolling out shots to more than 600 locations in 17 states. To accommodate customers seeking vaccinations, Target has sectioned off space inside stores, including queue areas around fitting rooms, which are being used to administer the vaccines.
“All U.S. adults are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine — and now it’s even easier for you to get yours,” Target said in a blog post on Tuesday. “We’re offering vaccine appointments at nearly all CVS at Target locations. And bonus: We’re offering guests and team members a $5 Target coupon when they receive a CVS at Target-administered COVID-19 vaccination.”
Target already has provided COVID vaccine incentives to workers. In February, the company said hourly frontline employees receiving coronavirus shots will receive up to four hours of pay (two hours for each dose) and can get free Lyft rides to and from their vaccine appointments, covering up to $15 each way. Target’s Shipt same-day delivery subsidiary also launched the Vaccine Payment Program, which allows its personal shoppers to apply for up to $50 in stipends for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
In early April, Target announced plans to funnel $5 million to global, national and local initiatives aimed at boosting access to COVID-19 vaccines. Of that total, $2.5 million is earmarked for community groups nationwide to help fund COVID vaccination efforts in their neighborhoods. The company also is contributing $1 million to nonprofits offering access to free and discounted rides to vaccine appointments via the Lyft Universal Vaccine Access campaign. Under the program, the rideshare company and a coalition of partners provide underserved communities access to rides to and from immunization sites.
