From Free Doughnuts To Cash Prizes Covid-19 Vaccine Incentives In The Us

Introduction

As COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue across the United States, numerous businesses, organizations, and government entities have implemented incentive programs to encourage vaccination participation. These incentives range from complimentary food items and retail discounts to substantial cash prizes and scholarship opportunities. The variety of rewards demonstrates the multifaceted approach to increasing vaccination rates, with the ultimate goal of helping the country return to normalcy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the COVID-19 vaccine incentives available across different sectors, including food and service establishments, retail outlets, entertainment venues, employers, and government programs. The information is based on verified reports from multiple sources, including business announcements and news coverage.

Food and Beverage Incentives

Numerous food and beverage establishments have implemented incentive programs to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. These offers typically require proof of vaccination and vary in duration and availability.

National Chains and Brands:

• Krispy Kreme: Offers a free doughnut daily to anyone with proof of COVID-19 vaccination for the remainder of the year. This promotion does not require any additional purchase.
• Panera: Provides one free bagel per day to vaccinated customers from July 2-4. The offer is valid only for in-person orders at local bakery-cafes and does not apply to online orders or delivery.
• Chipotle: Offers a buy-one-get-one-free entree deal after 3 PM on July 6 for vaccinated customers. The chain previously distributed 250,000 free burritos to healthcare workers as a pandemic thank-you.
• Budweiser: Provided free beer with proof of vaccination through May 16, according to available reports.
• So Good So You: Offers coupons for free juice shots as part of its "Get Your Shot, Get Our Shot Free" promotion.

Regional and Local Establishments:

• Junior's Cheesecake: Offers a free mini-cheesecake to anyone showing proof of vaccination at both its Downtown Brooklyn and Times Square locations until May 31.
• Nathan's Hot Dogs: Provides a free hot dog at its Coney Island flagship location to anyone who comes by with proof of vaccination received the same day.
• White Castle: Offers a free dessert-on-a-stick until May 31 to those with proof of vaccination. Options include Gooey Buttercake-on-a-Stick, Fudge Dipped Brownie-on-a-Stick, Fudge Dipped Cheesecake-on-a-Stick, or Birthday Cake-on-a-Stick.
• Market Garden Brewery: In Cleveland, offers 10-cent beers to the first 2021 adults who bring their completed vaccination card.
• The Greenhouse of Walled Lake: A marijuana dispensary in Michigan that provides a free pre-rolled joint to anyone over 21 with proof of vaccination as part of its "Pot for Shots" promotion.

Retail and Service Incentives

Several retail and service businesses have implemented incentive programs for COVID-19 vaccination:

• Walgreens: Offers $25 in Walgreens Cash to customers who get vaccinated in-store. Those without a myWalgreens account receive a $25 Walgreens gift card instead. The offer is valid through July 3 and requires making an appointment online.
• Vitamin Shoppe: Provides one free "full-size healthy snack or drink product" with proof of vaccination.
• Shake Shack: Offers a voucher for a free burger to anyone who gets vaccinated on an NYC mobile vaccine bus, while supplies last.
• Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max: All offer to laminate vaccine cards for free.

Entertainment and Leisure Incentives

Entertainment and leisure venues have also implemented various incentive programs:

• Chagrin Cinemas: In Cleveland, provides free popcorn through the end of April to moviegoers with a vaccination card.
• Mets and Yankees: Starting May 19, those who get vaccinated at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium before a game receive tickets to an upcoming game. If the chosen game is sold out, recipients can attend the next night or select another game.
• American Museum of Natural History: Offers up to four free museum tickets to those who get vaccinated at the museum's vaccination site under the blue whale.
• NFL: Provides 50 Super Bowl tickets in a giveaway for vaccinated fans and offers a 25% discount at NFLShop.com for those who receive their vaccine.
• NASCAR: Gives away Daytona 500 tickets to vaccinated individuals.
• MLS: Offers vaccinated fans a 30% discount on merchandise and the chance to attend the 2021 MLS All-Star Game.
• MLB: Some teams are offering ticket deals for vaccinated fans, though specific details were not provided in the source material.

Employer Incentives

Many employers have implemented programs to encourage employee vaccination:

• AT&T, Instacart, Target, Trader Joe's, Chobani, Petco, Darden Restaurants, McDonald's, and Dollar General: These companies are among those offering workers time off and extra pay to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Kroger: Awards employees $100 in store credit in addition to a one-time $100 payment for taking the vaccine. The company also runs its own vaccine lottery where people who get vaccinated at Kroger or its family of stores can register for a chance to win one of five $1 million drawings.

State and Government Incentives

State and federal governments have implemented various incentive programs:

• Ohio: The Vax-a-Million campaign allows vaccinated adults to enter a drawing for one of five $1 million awards. For residents between 12 and 17 years old, there are five four-year scholarships to Ohio state schools, including room and board, tuition, and books. Associated Press analysis determined that vaccinations in the state increased by 33 percent after the vaccine lottery was announced.
• Kroger: Following the lead of several states, Kroger implemented its own vaccine lottery where people who get their COVID-19 vaccine at Kroger or its family of stores can register for a chance to win one of five $1 million drawings.
• West Virginia: Announced they will give young people $100 bonds for getting vaccinated.
• Detroit: Gives out $50 prepaid cards to anyone who drives someone else to a vaccine site.

Transportation Incentives

Transportation companies have also implemented incentive programs:

• Lyft and Uber: Both offer free or discounted rides to unvaccinated people headed to their vaccination appointments.

How to Access These Incentives

Most vaccine incentives require proof of vaccination, typically in the form of a vaccination card or digital record. Some offers require in-person visits, while others may have specific registration processes. For employer incentives, employees should check with their human resources department for specific details. State incentive programs usually require registration through official state websites. It's important to note that many offers have expiration dates or limited availability, so checking the latest information is recommended. Additionally, some sources caution against laminating original vaccine cards, as this could damage the card and prevent updates to information. Instead, laminating a copy or using a protective case is recommended.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccine incentives have become an important tool in encouraging vaccination across the United States. From free food items to cash prizes, these programs offer various rewards for getting vaccinated. The incentives span multiple sectors, including food and beverage, retail, entertainment, employment, and government programs. While many of these offers were implemented during specific time periods and may have expired, they demonstrate the creative approaches businesses and organizations have taken to encourage vaccination. As vaccination efforts continue, new incentives may emerge, and existing programs may be extended or modified. Consumers should check with businesses directly for the most current information on available incentives.

Sources

1. CNBC - Here are a few of the freebies for getting the COVID vaccine
2. Cheapism - COVID Vaccine Freebies
3. USA Today - COVID vaccine incentive: Free Krispy Kreme donut, Sam Adams beer
4. Gothamist - Donuts, baseball tickets, cheesecake & more: Best vaccine incentives in NYC
5. AARP - Vaccine Incentives