Freebies And Incentives For Vaccinated Californians

California health officials are promoting COVID-19 vaccination through a combination of state-sponsored programs and private-sector incentives. The state has implemented a "Vax for the Win" initiative designed to boost vaccination rates as the economy reopens. Alongside government efforts, various companies and venues have introduced promotional offers, free products, and discounts available to individuals who provide proof of vaccination.

State-Sponsored Incentives

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the "Vax for the Win" program, described as a $116.5 million vaccine incentive program. The initiative aims to motivate Californians to get vaccinated ahead of the state's full reopening scheduled for June 15. The program includes $100 million in prepaid or grocery cards valued at $50 each, intended for the next two million newly vaccinated people. Additionally, $16.5 million in cash prizes is available for all vaccinated Californians. The incentives are designed to reach hard-to-reach communities and acknowledge those who have already been vaccinated.

Retail and Service Offers

Several retailers and service providers have introduced specific promotions for vaccinated individuals:

• Office Depot and Office Max: These stores offered a coupon code, 52516714, valid through July 25.
• Instacart: The "Get Vaxxed for Snacks Sweepstakes" offers participants a chance to win one of 200 $500 Instacart gift cards.
• Verizon: The company offers a 10% discount on any accessory, including smart home devices, game controllers, and headphones. This discount is stackable and can be applied to already reduced-price items.
• Kroger: Kroger established a vaccine lottery for individuals who receive their COVID-19 vaccine at Kroger or its family of stores. Participants can register for a chance to win one of five $1 million drawings. The company also offers a prize of groceries for a year.

Food and Beverage Promotions

Restaurants and beverage companies have offered free food items to vaccinated customers:

• Shake Shack: Shake Shack offered free Crinkle Cut Fries with the purchase of any burger or chicken sandwich at standalone stores through June 1. In New York City, individuals vaccinated on a mobile vaccine bus received a voucher for a free burger while supplies lasted.
• Free Juice Shot: Participants can visit freejuiceshot.com to share that they have been vaccinated and receive a voucher for a free juice shot.
• The Original Fast-Food Chain: This chain offered a free celebratory cake on a stick in four flavors (butter cake, fudge dipped brownie, fudge dipped cheesecake-on-a-stick, or birthday cake) for those showing proof of vaccination before May 31.
• The Greyhound in Glendale: Located at 933 S Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA, this venue offered free wings (classic chicken, boneless, or veggie) on May 26 from 4pm to 9pm to those showing proof of vaccination.

Entertainment and Recreation

Cultural institutions, sports teams, and recreational venues have joined the incentive program:

• Everyday California: This company offered free paddle board, surf board, and snorkel rentals Monday through Thursday to individuals showing a vaccine card upon arrival. The offer was limited to one use per person. They also offered 20% off apparel online and in stores.
• Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach offers two free tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific to anyone receiving their first COVID-19 vaccine.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers offered tickets for fully-vaccinated only sections for games during a nine-game homestand and provided a 20% discount on tickets.
• Lakers Season Tickets: Individuals aged 18 and older who received their first vaccination at a Los Angeles County- or city-run vaccine site were entered for a chance to win a pair of season tickets.
• Hollywood Pantages Theatre: The theatre hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on May 22. Attendees received an entry for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Hamilton during its fall run. The clinic offered Pfizer (for adults and teens 12 or older with a parent) and Johnson & Johnson (for those 18 and up).
• Metrolink: Metrolink offers a direct connection to the vaccination location at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA).
• Super Bowl LVI: The NFL announced a giveaway of 50 free tickets to Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Fans sharing their vaccination story were entered for a chance to win a pair of tickets. The NFL also offered a 25% discount at NFLShop.com for vaccinated individuals.
• NASCAR and MLS: NASCAR offered Daytona 500 tickets, while Major League Soccer offered vaccinated fans a 30% discount on merchandise and a chance to attend the 2021 MLS All-Star Game.
• MLB Teams: Some MLB teams offered ticket deals for vaccinated fans.

Eligibility and Verification

Most offers require individuals to show proof of vaccination, typically a vaccine card, upon arrival or through an online verification process. Specific eligibility requirements vary by offer, including age restrictions (e.g., 18+ for certain vaccines or prizes) and deadlines (e.g., May 31, July 3, July 25). Some offers are limited to specific locations, such as Los Angeles County or specific venue addresses. Walk-ins are generally welcome at vaccination clinics, though appointments may be scheduled.

Conclusion

The state of California, along with numerous private companies, has established a wide range of incentives to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. These range from direct financial rewards, such as prepaid cards and lottery drawings, to free food, merchandise, and entertainment tickets. Consumers interested in these offers should verify current availability, specific terms, and expiration dates directly with the participating brands or official state resources.

Sources

1. Want free stuff? Companies offering freebies to vaccinated Californians
2. Perks for Vaccinated Angelenos: Freebies & Discounts
3. COVID Vaccine Freebies: What You Can Get for Being Vaccinated
4. Governor Newsom Announces Historic Vax for the Win Program