Covid Vaccine Card Perks Free Food Drinks Discounts And More For Vaccinated Americans

As COVID-19 vaccines became widely available across the United States, numerous companies and organizations launched incentive programs to encourage vaccination. These programs offer a variety of freebies, discounts, and special perks to individuals who can show proof of their vaccination status. From free donuts and beer to transportation services and financial incentives, these offers provide additional motivation for Americans to get vaccinated while also supporting businesses during a challenging time.

This comprehensive guide examines the range of COVID vaccine card freebies and incentives available to vaccinated Americans, detailing eligibility requirements, participation methods, and important considerations for those interested in taking advantage of these offers.

Food and Drink Freebies

Perhaps the most visible category of vaccine incentives involves food and drink items. Numerous food and beverage companies have launched promotions offering free products to individuals who show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Krispy Kreme Free Donuts

Krispy Kreme has implemented one of the most straightforward and accessible vaccine incentive programs. Customers with a valid COVID-19 vaccination card at all Krispy Kreme locations nationwide can receive a free Original Glazed Doughnut. The freebie is valid at all 369 Krispy Kreme shops located in 41 states and is available "anytime, any day, every day for the rest of the year." No purchase is necessary to receive this offer, making it easily accessible to all vaccinated individuals.

Budweiser Free Beer

Budweiser has joined the vaccine incentive trend with its "Reunite with Buds" giveaway. Through May 16, or while supplies last, U.S. residents aged 21 and older can enter the giveaway at ABeerOnBud.com with proof of vaccination. However, there are geographic restrictions, as residents of Alabama, California, and Texas are excluded from signing up according to the fine print of the promotion.

Sam Adams Beer and Cash Offer

Sam Adams has implemented a social media-based vaccine incentive program. The beer brand announced the #ShotForSam vaccine incentive program, which offers free beer for COVID-19 vaccinations to the first 10,000 drinkers who "share evidence of their vaccination on social media" by May 15 or while supplies last. A vaccine card or medical information is not required; instead, participants can show an "I'm vaccinated" sticker or bandage photo with the hashtag #ShotForSam on Instagram or Twitter for a chance to receive $7 cash through the Cash App to cover a Sam Adams of their choice from their favorite local bar or restaurant.

White Castle Free Dessert

White Castle has offered a free dessert to vaccinated customers through May 31. Anyone who shows proof of vaccination can receive a free dessert-on-a-stick at all locations nationwide.

Juice Shot Coupons

Organic juice shot brand So Good So You has launched a "Get Your Shot, Get Our Shot Free" promotion. After getting vaccinated, individuals can visit www.freejuiceshot.com to register for a coupon for free juice shots.

Junior's Cheesecakes

Junior's Restaurants has offered free mini cupcake-size cheesecakes at its Downtown Brooklyn, New York location through Memorial Day as part of local vaccine incentive efforts.

Market Garden Brewery Discount

In Cleveland, Ohio, Market Garden Brewery has offered beer for just 10 cents to the first 2,021 people who bring in a completed COVID vaccine card.

UBaked Cannabis Co. Pre-rolls

An adults-only offering comes from UBaked Cannabis Co., which has partnered with various organizations to provide pre-rolls as part of vaccine incentive programs.

Transportation Offers

Several transportation companies have implemented programs to help individuals access vaccine appointments by providing free rides to vaccination sites.

Uber Free Rides

The ride-sharing giant Uber has pledged to provide free rides on appointment day for those getting their COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens. This initiative is part of a larger effort to provide up to 10 million free or reduced-rate rides for those who need help getting to and from vaccine appointments.

Lyft Free Rides

Lyft has partnered with CVS, the YMCA, and others to provide free rides to vaccine appointments for those in need. These rides are coordinated through community nonprofits.

Financial Incentives

Beyond product-based offers, several organizations have implemented financial incentives to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.

Employer Incentives

Many employers have implemented programs to encourage employee vaccination. Grocery chains including Trader Joe's, Aldi and Lidl, as well as retailers like Dollar General, Olive Garden and McDonald's, have offered time off or extra pay for vaccinated employees. Supermarket chains have offered cash incentives to employees who get vaccinated, with some providing payments to each of their more than 225,000 employees who gets vaccinated. Major employers including Tyson Foods and McDonald's have offered workers up to four hours of paid time off for vaccination.

Drop App Rewards

The Drop rewards platform has implemented a program that gives vaccinated individuals up to $50 in points that can be redeemed for gift cards at merchants including Uber, DoorDash, Sephora and Amazon. Participants must share that they've been vaccinated on Instagram using #DropCOVID and tag the company, @JoinDrop. The first 10,000 participants receive $50 and the next 10,000 receive $20 in rewards, which are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

John Hancock Reward Points

Individuals with life insurance through John Hancock who are part of its Vitality rewards program can earn free reward points for getting vaccinated.

Other Perks

Various other organizations and businesses have implemented unique incentive programs to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.

Office Depot/OfficeMax Free Vaccine Card Lamination

Office Depot and OfficeMax have offered free lamination of vaccine cards through July 25. This service aims to help individuals preserve their vaccine cards for future verification needs.

Important Considerations

When participating in vaccine incentive programs, individuals should consider several important factors to protect their privacy and ensure they can take advantage of offers properly.

Privacy Concerns

The Better Business Bureau has urged consumers to avoid posting photos of their COVID-19 vaccine cards on social media platforms. The BBB warns that vaccine cards contain personal information including full name and birthday, as well as details about where the vaccine was administered. Many promotions specifically request that participants not share actual vaccination cards and instead use stickers or other methods of proof.

Lamination Warnings

Some archivists and conservators have warned that laminating the original vaccine card could damage it and render it useless for updating information if needed, particularly if booster shots become necessary. A better approach may be to laminate a copy of the card instead or to purchase a protective case for the original document.

Geographic and Other Restrictions

Not all offers are available nationwide, and some have geographic restrictions. For example, Budweiser's free beer promotion excludes residents of Alabama, California, and Texas. Additionally, many offers have expiration dates or limited quantities, so interested individuals should check the terms and conditions of each promotion.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccine incentive programs have provided an additional motivation for Americans to get vaccinated while also supporting businesses during a challenging time. From food and drink items to transportation services and financial incentives, these offers have taken many forms and been implemented by businesses of all sizes across the country.

As vaccination efforts continue and booster shots may become necessary, it's important for individuals to balance taking advantage of these offers with protecting their personal information and preserving their vaccine cards for future needs. By understanding the available offers and participating appropriately, vaccinated individuals can enjoy these perks while contributing to public health efforts.

Sources

1. USA TODAY - Free Krispy Kreme donuts, Budweiser beer on tap with COVID vaccine, plus laminate vaccination cards for free
2. CBS News - COVID vaccine freebies: Donuts, cannabis, laminate cards
3. New York Post - Free stuff, discounts your COVID vaccine card can get you
4. The Palm Beach Post - Getting COVID vaccine? Here's some free stuff you can get
5. Cheapism - COVID vaccine freebies