MINNEAPOLIS — Discounter Target Corp. next week plans make flu shots available at more than 1,650 Target Pharmacy and Target Clinic locations nationwide.
The mass merchandise chain said Thursday that, starting Aug. 15, Target pharmacists and clinicians will administer the vaccines on a walk-in basis during regular pharmacy and clinic hours, including evenings and weekends. They also will be on hand to give cold and flu prevention advice, provide tips for identifying symptoms and help customers choose the best over-the-counter medicines to relieve their symptoms.
"Prevention is key to staying healthy during cold and flu season, and Target is dedicated to providing products, services and expert advice to help our guests stay well year-round," Jose Barra, senior vice president of health and beauty at Target, said in a statement. "Getting vaccinated is an effective way to prevent the flu, so our goal is to make it easy and convenient for people to get their flu shot while saving them money in the process.”
The flu shots cost $25, and Target Pharmacy and Target Clinic accept most major insurance plans, the company said, adding that this year’s vaccine protects against three influenza virus strains: the seasonal flu, H1N1 and H3N2.
Later this summer and in the fall, Target also plans to provide interactive flu maps, a flu IQ test, and cold and flu news online at target.com/flu. Customers can now visit that site to find out about Target pharmacy and clinic locations and hours.
The retailer reported that up to 65 million Americans annually get flu and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
