The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has prompted a variety of promotional offers from brands and service providers across the United States. These initiatives aim to encourage vaccination by providing free products, discounts, and essential services to individuals who receive their shots. Offers range from food and beverages to financial incentives and practical assistance, such as transportation and document protection. The availability of these benefits varies by brand, location, and specific eligibility requirements.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several food and beverage companies have launched national campaigns to reward vaccinated individuals. Krispy Kreme offers a free Original Glazed Doughnut to customers who present a valid COVID-19 vaccination card. This promotion is available at all 369 Krispy Kreme locations across 41 states. According to Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme's chief marketing officer, the offer is valid "anytime, any day, every day for the rest of the year" and does not require a purchase. The company has also addressed concerns regarding vaccination cards, suggesting that consumers avoid posting photos of their cards on social media to protect personal information, such as full names and birthdates.
Budweiser has launched the "Reunite with Buds" giveaway, offering free beer to U.S. residents aged 21 and older. To participate, individuals must visit ABeerOnBud.com and provide proof of vaccination. The promotion runs through May 16 or while supplies last. However, residents of Alabama, California, and Texas are excluded from this offer according to the fine print.
Samuel Adams introduced the #ShotForSam vaccine incentive program. The brand is giving away free beer to the first 10,000 participants who share evidence of their vaccination on social media by May 15 or while supplies last. Participants are not required to show a vaccine card or medical information. Instead, Samuel Adams suggests posting a photo of an "I'm vaccinated" sticker or bandage with the hashtag #ShotForSam on Instagram or Twitter. Eligible participants may receive $7 through the Cash App to cover the cost of a Samuel Adams beer at a local bar or restaurant.
Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a beer for 10 cents to the first 2,021 people who present a completed COVID-19 vaccine card. White Castle provides a free dessert-on-a-stick to anyone who shows proof of vaccination through May 31 at all nationwide locations.
Organic juice shot brand So Good So You is running a "Get Your Shot, Get Our Shot Free" promotion. After getting vaccinated, consumers can visit www.freejuiceshot.com to register for a coupon for a free juice shot.
Financial and Digital Incentives
Financial incentives are also available through specific platforms. The Drop rewards platform offers points redeemable for gift cards at merchants such as Uber, DoorDash, Sephora, and Amazon. Participants can share that they have been vaccinated on Instagram using the hashtag #DropCOVID and tag @JoinDrop. The first 10,000 participants receive $50 in points, and the next 10,000 receive $20. These rewards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
John Hancock offers free reward points to life insurance policyholders enrolled in its Vitality rewards program who receive their COVID-19 shots.
Transportation Assistance
Ride-sharing companies have committed to providing transportation to and from vaccination appointments. Uber offers free rides on appointment days for individuals getting vaccinated at Walgreens. This initiative is part of a larger effort to provide up to 10 million free or reduced-rate rides for those needing assistance with transportation. Lyft has partnered with CVS, the YMCA, and other organizations to provide free rides to vaccine appointments. Rides are coordinated through community nonprofits.
Document Protection Services
Protecting the physical vaccination card is a priority for many individuals. Office Depot and OfficeMax offer free lamination of COVID-19 vaccination cards through July 25. However, archivists and conservators warn that laminating the original card could damage it and make it difficult to update if booster shots are required in the future. Recommendations include laminating a copy of the card or purchasing a protective case instead.
Employer-Sponsored Incentives
In addition to consumer-facing offers, many employers are providing incentives to encourage employees to get vaccinated. These include time off or extra pay. Companies mentioned include Trader Joe's, Aldi, Lidl, Dollar General, Olive Garden, McDonald's, Tyson Foods, and Supermarket chain. Some employers are offering specific monetary amounts, such as $100 or up to four hours of pay.
Safety and Privacy Considerations
While many promotions encourage sharing vaccination status on social media, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns consumers to be cautious. Posting photos of COVID-19 vaccine cards can expose personal information, including full name, birthday, and vaccination location. Several promotions explicitly state that they do not require vaccination cards and prefer stickers or bandage photos as proof.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has resulted in a diverse range of incentives from national brands and local businesses. These offers include free food and beverages, financial rewards, transportation services, and document protection. Consumers should review specific eligibility rules, geographic restrictions, and expiration dates for each promotion. Additionally, privacy concerns regarding the sharing of vaccination information should be considered before posting on social media. While these incentives are temporary, they reflect a broader effort to support public health initiatives.