Target Survey Shows Adult Americans May Avoid the Flu Shot Due to Fear of Needles

Target Pharmacy will offer “micro-needle” intradermal flu vaccines beginning August 19

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new online survey, released today by Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT) and conducted online by Harris Interactive on their behalf, found that 60 percent of adult Americans would skip getting vaccinated against the flu, and nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of those Americans would skip being vaccinated because they don’t like needles. For the upcoming flu season, Target will offer a new intradermal flu shot option at all Target Pharmacy locations nationwide. The intradermal flu shot uses a micro-needle, which is 90 percent smaller than the traditional flu shot needle, helping to alleviate the fear of needles.

“At Target Pharmacy, we’re bringing our guests various options for flu shots, so they can easily and conveniently find what works best for them.”

Because of the intradermal needle’s smaller size, it is inserted directly under the skin rather than into the muscle, resulting in less muscle-ache and pain immediately following injection. Along with the new intradermal flu shot, Target will offer traditional flu shots and high-dose vaccines for guests 65 years and older.

Beginning August 19, flu shots will be available at more than 1,636 Target Pharmacy locations nationwide, with no appointment necessary. Target pharmacists will administer flu shots for $28. This year’s vaccination protects against three virus strains: H1N1, N3N2 and influenza B.

“We know prevention is critical to staying healthy during cold and flu season, yet many Americans don’t receive the flu vaccine,” said José Barra, senior vice president, health and beauty, Target. “At Target Pharmacy, we’re bringing our guests various options for flu shots, so they can easily and conveniently find what works best for them.”

Each year as many as 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to these risks, the CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months receive a seasonal flu vaccination.

Target pharmacists will administer flu vaccinations during regular pharmacy hours, including evenings and weekends. Additionally, these healthcare professionals are available to provide guests with advice for cold and flu prevention, tips for identifying symptoms, and suggestions for over-the-counter solutions to meet their needs.

For more information, visit target.com/flu, including pharmacy locations and hours and interactive flu maps and news.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Target from July 10-12, 2012 among 2,160 adults, ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Kristi Betz at 410.821.8220 or [e-mail].

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,772 stores across the United States and at Target.com. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.