Dozens of businesses introduce COVID vaccine rewards
More than 30 businesses are offering special rewards to individuals who receive a COVID-19 vaccination in the weeks ahead.
The incentives (see a full list here) were highlighted by the White House Wednesday as part of a monthlong initiative to reach a 70% adult vaccination rate nationwide by July 4. As of that morning, 62.9% of adults had received at least one shot.
The rewards range in size and value, but some of the significant giveaways include:
- Anheuser-Busch - Free beer (or seltzer or other product) to 200,000 vaccinated Americans if the country reaches the 70% mark by July 4
- CVS - Vaccinated individuals can enter a sweepstakes to win cash, a free cruise or tickets to Super Bowl LVI
- Major League Baseball - Free game admission to fans who get vaccinated on-site
- NASCAR - A sweepstakes to win 2022 Indy 500 tickets
- National Football League - 25% discount on merchandise, plus a drawing to win 50 tickets to Super Bowl LVI
- United Airlines - A sweepstakes for a year of free flights or round trip for two
In addition, a number of stores are offering smaller discounts, such as 10% off a purchase, or a $5 gift card.
These incentives are in addition to what's being offered in Minnesota, such as the free and discounted craft beer, and the list of nine rewards available for the newly vaccinated.
Improving vaccine access
In addition to laying out rewards as an incentive to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Biden administration announced new outreach efforts to help address vaccine disparities, and support those who may not easily be able to get a shot.
- Free childcare for parents or guardians who need to get vaccinated, provided by the YMCA, Bright Horizons, KinderCare and Learning Care
- Expanded hours for pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, so those with challenging work schedules have a better opportunity to get a vaccine
- "Shots at the Shop," a partnership with Black-owned barber shops and beauty salons to support local vaccination efforts
- Monthlong challenges for mayors and colleges across the country
The Kaiser Family Foundation recently dug into vaccine disparities. Based on the data available, 62% of people who have received at least one dose of the vaccine are white. Nine percent are Black, 14% are Hispanic, 6% are Asian, and 1% were American Indian or Alaska Native.
Related: As mask mandates lift, worries about vaccine disparities come to the fore
However, there has been an uptick in vaccinations among non-white recipients in the past two weeks, suggesting the vaccines are beginning to reach a larger share of these communities.
