During the height of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, numerous companies and state governments introduced promotional programs designed to encourage immunization. These initiatives ranged from free food and beverages to financial incentives and essential services. The primary goal of these offers was to reward individuals who received their shots and to motivate vaccine-hesitant populations. The programs varied significantly in terms of duration, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes.
Many of the available incentives focused on food and beverage categories. Several major brands offered free products to customers who could provide proof of vaccination. Krispy Kreme, for example, launched a widely publicized offer allowing customers to receive one free glazed doughnut per day at participating locations. This offer required the presentation of a vaccination card showing one or two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine and was valid for the remainder of the year following the announcement. No purchase was necessary to redeem this offer.
Other food and beverage companies also participated. Budweiser offered a free beer to individuals aged 21 and older who registered on specific company websites and provided proof of vaccination. This offer was available through mid-May or while supplies lasted. Nathan’s Famous provided a free hot dog to visitors at their Coney Island location on the same day they received their vaccination, provided they showed their vaccination card. Additionally, Junior’s Restaurant in Brooklyn offered a free mini cheesecake to patrons who presented their vaccine card through Memorial Day. White Castle also participated by offering a free dessert-on-a-stick to customers with proof of vaccination during a specific period in late April and May.
Beyond food and beverage, several companies offered practical services to assist vaccinated individuals. Staples and Office Depot provided free laminating services for completed COVID-19 vaccination cards at all US locations. This service was intended to help consumers keep their vaccination records in good condition and was available with no specified end date at the time of the announcement.
State governments also introduced their own incentive programs. New Jersey implemented a "shot and a beer" program, offering free beer to those who got vaccinated. West Virginia proposed offering a $100 savings bond to residents aged 16 to 35 who received the vaccine, while Maryland offered $100 to state employees who got vaccinated. Cultural incentives were also present, with the National Football League offering Super Bowl tickets to fans who shared their vaccination stories, and the New York Mets and Yankees offering free tickets to fans who received an on-site Johnson & Johnson shot.
In addition to consumer-facing offers, many employers implemented internal incentives and mandates. Companies such as Aldi, Target, Trader Joe's, McDonald's, and Dollar General promised employees up to four hours of extra pay for getting vaccinated. Lidl offered employees a $200 cash incentive, and Petco offered workers $75. Conversely, some organizations, such as CNN and the Minnesota Vikings, enforced strict policies regarding unvaccinated employees, including termination for non-compliance with vaccine mandates.