Target will now give you a $5 coupon if you get a COVID vaccine
Credit: Minnesota Department of Health
Target is now offering a $5 coupon to anyone who gets a COVID vaccination at an in-store CVS location.
The move was announced by Target in a blog post Tuesday. Anyone - employee or customer - who schedules a COVID-19 vaccination at a CVS at Target location is eligible for the $5 bonus, which acts, essentially, like a gift card.
After receiving a shot, Target will give the individual a $5 coupon that can be used on any in-store purchase of $5 or more.
The $5 coupon promotion began just this week, a spokesperson for the company confirmed. It is being offered nationwide at all CVS at Target locations administering the vaccine.
CVS and Target began offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments in early March. Anyone interested can schedule a vaccination appointment through CVS.com. Check the address to verify whether it is a CVS at Target location.
Incentivizing vaccinations
When asked why Target introduced the $5 freebie, the spokesperson said the company "is encouraging all of our team members and guests to get the vaccine."
The concept of incentivizing people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has been floated before. As NPR reported in January, some economists have argued for a "cash-for-shots" program as a way to help the U.S. reach herd immunity - that is, a vaccination level of 70-90%.
While the federal government hasn't taken such a step, some state and local governments have gone that route. Some corporations, like Target, are also offering perks or freebies. Krispy Kreme will give customers a free glazed donut if they show their COVD-19 Vaccination Record Card. (Minnesotans will have to drive to Milwaukee or Des Moines to take advantage of that one.)
According to the CDC, just over 41% of adults in the U.S. are fully vaccinated, while 56.7% have received at least one shot.
