Los Angeles COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives and Freebies: A Guide to Food, Entertainment, and Event Rewards

Numerous businesses and government initiatives in Los Angeles have introduced a variety of incentives to encourage residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. These programs range from free food and beverages to vouchers for entertainment and cultural experiences. The following guide details the specific offers available, eligibility requirements, and participation methods based on official announcements and news reports.

Food and Beverage Offers

Several food and beverage brands have partnered with local and state programs to provide free items to vaccinated individuals. These offers generally require the presentation of a CDC-issued vaccine card or proof of vaccination at participating locations.

Taco Bell As part of California's "Vax for the Win" incentive program, Taco Bell offered free seasoned beef Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos at participating California locations. This promotion was available for one day only on a Tuesday. Customers were required to show their COVID-19 vaccination card to redeem the free taco. The California-based brand's initiative aimed to encourage vaccination among younger demographics and those needing their second dose.

Shake Shack Shake Shack collaborated with New York City officials to offer free food to vaccinated residents. Although this specific offer targeted New York City, the brand's participation in vaccine incentive programs is notable. Through June 12, individuals who showed their CDC-issued vaccine cards at any of the 25 Shake Shack locations in New York City received a free side of Crinkle Cut Fries with the purchase of any burger or chicken sandwich. Additionally, individuals vaccinated at one of the city's mobile vaccine clinics received a ShackBurger voucher while supplies lasted.

Unilever Unilever provided free popsicles and Klondike shakes to health care workers and individuals receiving the vaccine at select vaccination sites. This initiative took place on Friday, May 14, in specific cities including Los Angeles. The offer was available at vaccination sites in Los Angeles, as well as New York, St. Louis, Memphis, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Phoenix.

Anheuser-Busch Anheuser-Busch announced a major beverage giveaway contingent on a national vaccination goal. The company pledged to buy the nation's next round of beer, seltzer, or non-alcoholic beverage once the country reaches the President's goal of 70% of adults receiving at least one vaccine dose. Individuals aged 21 and older can participate by submitting a photo of themselves at their favorite drinking spot to MyCooler.com/Beer.

Entertainment and Cultural Incentives

Beyond food, Los Angeles offers significant incentives tied to its entertainment and cultural sectors, providing vouchers for concerts, movies, and museum visits.

Hollywood Bowl The Hollywood Bowl hosted free vaccination clinics on Sunday, June 27, and Sunday, July 18, for individuals aged 12 and up. The venue offered a two-tiered incentive system: - The first 400 individuals receiving their first or second dose at the clinic received a voucher for a pair of tickets to a 2021 concert at the venue. This voucher could be redeemed at the Box Office on-site for a selection of concert dates. - Individuals vaccinated after the first 400, as well as anyone showing proof of prior vaccination, were entered into a random drawing for 100 pairs of tickets to a 2021 concert.

Universal Studios Hollywood California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state's reopening at Universal Studios Hollywood. As part of the "$116.5 million 'Vax for the Win' incentive program," the state gave away $15 million to ten vaccinated Californians. Each winner received $1.5 million in cash upon receiving their second dose. While this event took place at Universal Studios, it served as a statewide announcement rather than a location-specific giveaway for park tickets.

American Museum of Natural History While located in New York, the American Museum of Natural History's incentive program serves as a model for cultural institutions. The museum operates a walk-in vaccination site in its Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Individuals vaccinated at the museum earn a voucher for complimentary admission for four people on a future visit. This initiative highlights the potential for cultural institutions to serve as vaccination sites and offer educational incentives.

Sports and Event Vouchers

Sports teams and event venues have also joined the effort to incentivize vaccination through merchandise and ticket offers.

Sounders Football Club In Seattle, the Sounders Football Club offered a voucher for a free hot dog to individuals who got vaccinated during their May 3 match. The club also offered one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccines and the first dose of the Moderna series at the stadium gates. While this is specific to Seattle, it represents a trend of sports teams offering on-site vaccination and immediate perks.

Miami Beach "Shots for Shots" Through Memorial Day, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce ran a "Shots for Shots" promotion. Individuals vaccinated at the walk-up site on 17th Street and Convention Center received a coupon for a free drink at participating venues and additional coupons for discounts and freebies at local businesses. This program demonstrates how local chambers of commerce can coordinate with health departments to offer community-based incentives.

Sweepstakes and Lottery Programs

State and corporate sweepstakes offer high-value prizes to vaccinated individuals, functioning as significant financial incentives.

CVS Health Sweepstakes CVS Health launched the "#OneStepCloser" sweepstakes, running from June 1 to July 10. Individuals aged 18 and up who get vaccinated at CVS or through a CVS clinician at a long-term care facility, Return Ready clinic, or off-site clinic are eligible. People vaccinated before June 1 are also included. CVS is giving away over 1,000 prizes, including: - 125 $500 giveaways - Five $5,000 family reunions - 100 seven-day cruises for two on Norwegian Cruise Line - A VIP trip to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles for two people from Procter & Gamble

California "Vax for the Win" Program California's state-run incentive program included a $15 million giveaway to ten vaccinated residents. Additionally, Governor Newsom announced a "California Dream Vacations" drawing on July 1, where six Californians will win a free vacation. These vacations are designed to support the state's tourism industry and take place entirely within California.

Local Community and Transit Partnerships

Local government and transit agencies have facilitated access to vaccines and incentives through mobile units and community partnerships.

Metrolink and LA Department of Public Health A partnership between the Los Angeles Department of Public Health and Metrolink established mobile vaccination units at the Palmdale and Lancaster stations. These units distribute 250 shots each per day, with vaccinations available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. While specific incentives for these locations are not detailed in the source data, the mobile units represent a critical infrastructure for vaccine distribution.

Original Farmers Market The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles hosted a second COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Rite-Aid. While specific incentives for this clinic are not detailed in the source data, such community venues often provide accessible vaccination options.

Conclusion

The landscape of vaccine incentives in Los Angeles is diverse, encompassing immediate food rewards, high-value sweepstakes, and cultural vouchers. Participation generally requires proof of vaccination, such as a CDC card, and often applies only to specific locations or timeframes. Residents interested in these offers should monitor official announcements from brands like Taco Bell and Unilever, as well as state programs like "Vax for the Win," for the most current details on availability and redemption processes.