The period following the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines saw a variety of initiatives aimed at encouraging vaccination uptake. In Colorado, as in many other states, a combination of government programs and private sector partnerships emerged to offer incentives ranging from cash prizes to free products and services. These offers were designed to support the vaccination effort, particularly as momentum slowed and officials sought to reach herd immunity targets. This article details the specific vaccine-related incentives available in Colorado during this timeframe, drawing exclusively on verified information regarding eligibility, redemption processes, and participating entities.
Colorado State-Led Incentives
The state of Colorado implemented several high-profile programs to encourage residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Colorado Comeback Cash Vaccine Drawing
Governor Jared Polis announced the "Colorado Comeback Cash Vaccine Drawing" on May 25, 2021. This initiative was established using funds from the American Rescue Plan and was conducted in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), the Colorado Lottery, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
- Prize Structure: The program offered one winner $1 million every week for five weeks. Winners were announced each Friday from June 4 through July 7, 2021.
- Eligibility: All Colorado residents age 18 and older who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were automatically entered into the drawing. The program also included individuals who were unable to get vaccinated due to personal reasons, though the specific mechanism for their inclusion was not detailed in the source material.
- Purpose: Governor Polis expressed that the initiative was intended to encourage more Coloradans to get vaccinated, noting that the program was about public health rather than the money, despite the large prize amounts.
Walmart Gift Cards and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Vouchers
In addition to the lottery, Colorado offered tangible incentives for individuals receiving their first or second vaccine dose.
- Incentives: Participants could receive $100 Walmart gift cards and $50 Colorado Parks and Wildlife vouchers.
- Availability: These incentives were available "while supplies last," indicating a limited-time offer dependent on inventory.
- Eligibility: The offer was available to individuals receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine.
Private Sector and Partnership Incentives
Several private companies and organizations in Colorado partnered with health systems or the state to offer specific incentives.
Colorado CarShare
Colorado CarShare offered a program specifically designed to remove transportation barriers for vulnerable populations needing to attend vaccine appointments.
- Offer: Free car share use for individuals traveling to COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
- Eligibility: The offer was extended to Colorado CarShare members who were at higher risk of illness. This included adults aged 65 and older, front-line workers, and other qualifying members. The program was also available to new members.
- Process:
- Individuals were required to become Colorado CarShare members and select a rate plan.
- After scheduling a vaccine appointment, the member reserved a vehicle for the appointment time.
- The member then sent verification of the appointment time and place to Colorado CarShare.
- The organization covered the cost of the car share fee for the duration of the appointment.
- Restrictions: The compensation was capped at $25 per appointment. The offer explicitly excluded adding side trips (e.g., a ski trip) to the free ride. The program was valid until credits ran out, and general population vaccine distribution did not qualify.
Uber and Lyft
National ride-sharing companies provided broad support for vaccine access, which included Colorado.
- Uber: The company pledged to provide free rides to vaccine appointments at Walgreens. This was part of a larger initiative to provide up to 10 million free or reduced-rate rides.
- Lyft: Lyft partnered with organizations such as the YMCA and CVS to provide free rides to vaccine appointments. Rides were coordinated through community nonprofits for those in need.
Office Depot/OfficeMax
To help consumers protect their vaccination records, Office Depot and OfficeMax offered a document protection service.
- Offer: Free lamination of COVID-19 vaccination cards.
- Availability: The service was available through July 25, 2021.
- Process: Customers could bring their vaccination cards to participating locations for lamination.
John Hancock
For existing customers, John Hancock offered a rewards-based incentive.
- Offer: Free reward points through the Vitality rewards program.
- Eligibility: Customers with life insurance through John Hancock who were part of the Vitality program.
- Process: Participants were instructed to ensure they were part of the Vitality program before receiving their vaccine shots to claim the points.
Other State-Specific Incentives (Contextual Information)
While the primary focus is Colorado, the source material provided details on similar programs in other states, which serve as context for the types of incentives that were being offered nationwide during this period.
Connecticut
Connecticut launched the "#CTDrinksOnUs" campaign in partnership with the Connecticut Restaurant Association and Governor Ned Lamont.
- Offer: Participating restaurants offered complimentary drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) to vaccinated patrons.
- Eligibility: Residents who showed proof of receiving one or both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Availability: The promotion ran through the end of May.
New Jersey
New Jersey offered a "Shot and a Beer" program for residents aged 21 and older.
- Offer: A free glass of beer at participating locations.
- Eligibility: Individuals aged 21 and older who received their first vaccine shot in May.
New York
New York offered incentives including transportation and entertainment.
- Offer: A free 7-day MetroCard or two free Long Island Rail Road/Metro-North tickets.
- Eligibility: Anyone receiving a vaccine at participating subway, LIRR, or Metro-North hubs from May 12 to 16.
Alabama
Alabama's health department partnered with the Talladega Superspeedway.
- Offer: Two laps around the speedway at highway speed behind a pace car.
- Eligibility: Anyone aged 16 and older who received a vaccine or test at the drive-through event on May 15. A valid driver's license was required, and participants aged 16 to 18 needed a parent or guardian present.
Verification and Proof Requirements
Across various programs, verification of vaccination status or appointment details was a common requirement.
- Immunization Record: Local officials in some states were tasked with confirming eligibility using immunization record cards.
- Appointment Verification: For the Colorado CarShare program, specific verification of appointment time and location was required via email.
- Self-Reporting: Some programs, such as John Hancock's Vitality program, relied on the honor system or required participants to register their status within the program's ecosystem.
Conclusion
The landscape of COVID-19 vaccine incentives in Colorado was diverse, encompassing significant state-sponsored cash drawings and practical support from private organizations. Programs like the Colorado Comeback Cash drawing aimed to generate excitement through large financial prizes, while initiatives like Colorado CarShare addressed specific logistical barriers for vulnerable populations. Retailers, insurance companies, and ride-sharing services also played a role by offering points, free services, and transportation assistance. These offers were generally time-sensitive and subject to specific eligibility rules, such as age, membership status, or supply limits.