COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives: A Guide to Free Offers and Promotions Available to U.S. Consumers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous companies and organizations introduced promotional offers and freebies to encourage vaccination. These incentives ranged from free food and beverages to discounts on retail purchases and even substantial cash prizes. The availability of these offers was often time-sensitive, with many promotions concluding at the end of 2021. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the types of freebies and incentives that were available to U.S. consumers who provided proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Food and Beverage Promotions

One of the most widely publicized categories of vaccine incentives involved free food and drinks. These offers were designed to provide immediate gratification to individuals who received their shots.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme launched a highly visible promotion offering a free Original Glazed Doughnut to customers who presented a valid COVID-19 vaccination card. According to reports, this offer was valid at all 369 Krispy Kreme locations across 41 states. The promotion was available "anytime, any day, every day for the rest of the year" following its introduction, with no purchase necessary to redeem the free doughnut.

Beer and Alcoholic Beverages

Several breweries and bars offered free beer as a thank-you for vaccination. In Philadelphia, a brewery located in the Fishtown neighborhood was reported as one of the first in the state to offer free beer in exchange for proof of vaccination. Additionally, in Vancouver, Washington, a local bar called Vault 31 offered free Jell-O shots to customers who showed proof of vaccination. The bar noted that customers who came in for the free shots often stayed to purchase food and drinks.

Other Food Offers

While not specific to Oregon due to the absence of White Castle locations in the state, national lists of vaccine incentives included various other food offers. The Vitamin Shoppe offered a free healthy snack or beverage to individuals with a documented COVID-19 vaccine shot between May 4 and May 31.

Retail and Service Discounts

In addition to food and beverage incentives, various retail and service providers offered discounts or free products to vaccinated individuals.

Allora Gifts & Home Décor

Allora Gifts & Home Décor, a gift shop in Bucks County, offered a 10 percent discount on the entire purchase for customers who showed their COVID-19 vaccination card. This promotion was available on Saturdays until further notice. The shop carried a variety of home goods, accessories, kitchenware, handmade items, and eco-friendly products.

Educational and Software Tools

During the pandemic, several companies also provided free access to educational and software tools, though these were not necessarily tied to vaccination status. For example, FeedbackFruits made all its pedagogical tools available for free to support teachers during COVID-19, with free access available until regular teaching resumed. Edco, an educational company in Ireland, offered its e-textbooks for free online for the duration of the pandemic, using specific login credentials. Avaya Inc. provided its cloud-based video conferencing platform, Avaya Spaces, for free, and AppsAnywhere offered free licenses for 90 days to allow students to access necessary software.

Cash Prizes and Lotteries

To further incentivize vaccination, several states and organizations introduced lottery systems with significant cash prizes and scholarships.

Ohio’s Vax-a-Million Campaign

Ohio’s Vax-a-Million campaign was one of the most prominent and debated incentives. It allowed vaccinated adults to enter a drawing for one of five $1 million awards. For residents between 12 and 17 years old, the campaign offered one of five four-year scholarships to an Ohio state school, covering room and board, tuition, and books. An Associated Press analysis found that vaccinations in Ohio increased by 33 percent after the vaccine lottery was announced.

Federal and State Partnerships

The White House partnered with businesses and organizations to incentivize vaccination, offering additional freebies such as childcare, gift cards, and chances at free flights. States were also encouraged to develop their own incentive programs.

Eligibility and Redemption Processes

The eligibility for these offers typically required individuals to present a valid COVID-19 vaccination card as proof of vaccination. Specific terms and conditions varied by promotion:

Krispy Kreme: Required a valid vaccination card; no purchase necessary.
Allora Gifts & Home Décor: Required proof of vaccination; offer available on Saturdays.
Vault 31 (Jell-O shots): Required proof of vaccination.
Brewery in Fishtown: Required proof of vaccination for free beer.
Ohio Vax-a-Million: Required vaccination and registration through the state’s official website.

Some offers, such as those from The Vitamin Shoppe, were available for a limited time (May 4 to May 31). Others, like the Krispy Kreme promotion, extended through the end of the year.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a wave of promotional offers and freebies aimed at encouraging vaccination. These incentives included free food items like doughnuts and beer, retail discounts, and substantial cash prizes through state lotteries. While these offers were widely available during 2021, many have since expired. Consumers seeking similar incentives should verify current promotions directly with brands and local businesses.