Chicago Covid-19 Vaccine Incentives Free Food Entertainment And More For Vaccinated Residents

As vaccination efforts continue across the United States, many Chicago-area businesses and organizations have implemented incentive programs to encourage residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. These freebies range from food and drinks to entertainment experiences and retail benefits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the vaccine incentives available to Chicago residents who have received at least one dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.

Food and Drink Incentives

Several food and beverage establishments in the Chicago area have introduced special offers for those who can provide proof of vaccination. These incentives have been implemented as part of broader efforts to increase vaccination rates and return to normal social and economic activities.

Krispy Kreme

The popular doughnut chain has established one of the most straightforward and long-lasting vaccine incentive programs. Krispy Kreme is offering a free original glazed doughnut daily to customers who show their vaccination cards. This promotion extends through the end of 2021 and applies to all day parts. To receive the free doughnut, individuals must have received at least one shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Budweiser

Budweiser has implemented a time-sensitive vaccine incentive program for Chicago residents. Through May 16, the company is offering $5 debit cards to 10,000 people, which can be used toward a free beer. To participate, individuals must provide proof of vaccination by submitting a picture of either an "I Got Vaccinated" sticker, a photo of the Band-Aid on their arm, or a selfie taken at the vaccination site through the ABeerOnBud.com website. Participants must be 21 years of age or older to receive this incentive.

White Castle

The fast-food chain White Castle has joined the vaccine incentive movement by offering a free dessert-on-a-stick to customers who provide proof of vaccination. This promotion is available through May 31 at participating White Castle locations in the Chicago area. The offer is valid for individuals who have received any authorized COVID-19 vaccine and can present their vaccination card at the time of purchase.

Connecticut Restaurant Program

While not Chicago-specific, a neighboring state has implemented a restaurant incentive program that may be of interest to Chicago residents. Connecticut is offering free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks at over 100 restaurants when customers purchase food and show their vaccination cards. This program ran from May 19 through May 31, 2021.

Entertainment and Event Opportunities

Chicago has implemented several entertainment-based incentives to encourage vaccinations, including exclusive events, free tickets to attractions, and unique experiences.

Protect Chicago Music Series

The city of Chicago has launched the Protect Chicago Music Series, a collection of monthly outdoor concerts that are exclusively available to fully vaccinated residents. These events are being held throughout the summer across the city. Vaccinated individuals can obtain free tickets through Eventbrite and must present their vaccination cards along with making a reservation to attend these musical performances. This initiative represents one of Chicago's most comprehensive vaccine incentive programs, offering ongoing entertainment benefits throughout the summer months.

Six Flags Great America

In the Englewood neighborhood, Chicago officials partnered with Six Flags Great America to offer free amusement park tickets to residents who received their vaccinations at local events. Ruby Gomez, one of the residents who participated in this program, received five free tickets to Six Flags Great America after getting vaccinated at the It's Official Barbershop on West 63rd Street. The barbershop itself also offered free haircuts to individuals who received their vaccinations there.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

For those interested in cultural experiences, Illinois residents can tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for free through the end of June 2021 by showing proof of vaccination. This incentive provides educational and historical entertainment opportunities to vaccinated individuals at no cost.

Talladega Superspeedway Experience

While not in Chicago, Alabama's vaccine incentive program offers a unique experience that may interest Chicago residents. On May 15, Alabama residents who attended a drive-up vaccination clinic at the Talladega Superspeedway were allowed to take two laps around the famed racetrack in their own vehicles at highway speeds. Drivers were required to bring their own cars for this exclusive experience.

Sports Team Ticket Offers

Several professional sports teams have implemented vaccine incentive programs that extend to Chicago residents:

• The New York Yankees and New York Mets are offering free tickets to future games for individuals who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at either Yankee Stadium or Citi Field.
• The NFL announced it would give away 50 tickets to Super Bowl LVI to vaccinated individuals who shared why getting vaccinated was important on the Global Citizen website.
• Other teams across the country, including the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and Cleveland Indians, are offering discounted or free tickets to vaccinated fans.
• The New Mexico United soccer team is hosting vaccine tailgates where participants receive free tickets to future matches.

Retail and Service Incentives

Beyond food and entertainment, several retail and service businesses have implemented vaccine-specific promotions.

Office Depot and Office Max

Office Depot and Office Max are offering free lamination for vaccine cards nationwide through July 25. This service helps protect vaccination cards from damage and provides a practical benefit to vaccinated individuals.

Drop E-commerce Program

The e-commerce company Drop is offering $50 in credit to individuals who post a vaccine selfie with the hashtags #DropCovid and @JoinDrop on Instagram. This incentive provides digital purchasing power to vaccinated consumers.

Free Marijuana

In several states, including Washington, dispensaries have implemented vaccine incentive programs. Washington State's "Joints for Jabs" promotion allowed adults aged 21 and older to claim a free marijuana joint after receiving their COVID-19 vaccination. This promotion ran through July 12, 2021.

How to Access These Vaccine Incentives

Accessing vaccine incentives typically requires one of the following methods:

1. Presenting a vaccination card: Most incentives require individuals to physically show their vaccination cards at the point of service or redemption.
2. Digital verification: Some programs, like Budweiser's, accept digital proof of vaccination such as photos of vaccination stickers, bandages, or selfies taken at vaccination sites.
3. Online registration: Certain incentives, like the Protect Chicago Music Series and Super Bowl ticket giveaway, require registration through specific websites or platforms.
4. Social media participation: Some incentives, like Drop's program, require posting on social media with specific hashtags and tags.

It's important to note that vaccine incentives typically have expiration dates or limited availability, so interested individuals should check the terms and conditions of each program before participation.

The Impact of Vaccine Incentives

Vaccine incentive programs have emerged as a response to declining vaccination rates. According to data cited in the source materials, Illinois experienced a significant decline in vaccination numbers in early 2021. After averaging about 100,000 shots per day earlier in the year, the seven-day rolling vaccine average had dropped to 36,130 as of a Saturday in May.

Businesses and local governments have implemented these incentives for several reasons. As Travis Berry, a barber at It's Official Barbershop in Chicago, explained, "Sometimes you have to give something away for someone to get something." This sentiment reflects the pragmatic approach many organizations have taken to encourage vaccination.

For residents like Ruby Gomez, these incentives provided additional motivation to get vaccinated. "The only reason why is because I want to go back to normal, I want to go places with my family, and I don't want to wear masks anymore," she said after receiving her vaccination and receiving free tickets to Six Flags Great America.

Conclusion

Chicago-area residents who have received COVID-19 vaccinations have access to a variety of incentives spanning food, entertainment, retail, and unique experiences. These programs include Krispy Kreme's daily free doughnuts through the end of 2021, Budweiser's $5 debit card offer for beer, White Castle's free desserts, and Chicago's exclusive Protect Chicago Music Series. Additional opportunities include free Six Flags Great America tickets, tours of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and free haircuts at participating barbershops.

While these incentives may not be the primary reason individuals choose to get vaccinated, they do provide tangible benefits for those who have already received their shots and may encourage hesitant individuals to consider vaccination. As vaccination rates continue to evolve, businesses and organizations may introduce additional incentives to encourage public health participation.

Sources

1. Got The COVID-19 Vaccine? Get These Freebies In Chicago Heights
2. Chicago Offering Incentives to Get More Residents Vaccinated for COVID-19
3. COVID Vaccine Freebies: From Card to Discounts, Here's the Running List
4. State Vaccine Incentives: From Cash to Freebies
5. Fully Vaccinated? Here's Where to Score a Deal in the Chicago Area
6. COVID-19 Vaccine Freebies and Incentives
7. COVID Vaccine Free Stuff and Incentives