COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in the United States, but vaccination rates have seen a significant decline from their peak. Businesses and states have responded by creating a variety of incentive programs to encourage people to get vaccinated. These programs range from free food and drinks to large cash prizes, gift cards, and travel opportunities. The availability and details of these offers are subject to specific terms, geographic restrictions, and expiration dates, which are outlined in the provided information.
Overview of Incentive Programs
The slowdown in national vaccination rates, falling to fewer than one million shots per day from a peak of 3.4 million, has prompted a multi-faceted approach to incentivization. The White House has partnered with businesses and organizations to offer additional freebies, which can include childcare, gift cards, and chances to win free flights. States are also running their own campaigns, with Ohio’s Vax-a-Million lottery being a notable example. This program offered adults a chance to win one of five $1 million awards and residents aged 12 to 17 a chance at one of five four-year scholarships to an Ohio state school. An Associated Press analysis indicated that vaccinations in Ohio increased by 33 percent after the lottery was announced.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several prominent food and beverage brands have launched offers for vaccinated individuals. These promotions often require proof of vaccination and may have specific conditions or deadlines.
Krispy Kreme The doughnut chain offers a free original glazed doughnut to anyone who shows a vaccination card at any Krispy Kreme store in the United States. This offer is valid all year long with no limit on the number of times a customer can claim the prize.
Shake Shack Shake Shack provided a free order of crinkle-cut fries to customers who showed a vaccination card at any U.S. location. This deal required the purchase of a burger or chicken sandwich and was available until June 12.
Budweiser Budweiser offered a free beer to individuals who had been vaccinated. To claim the offer, users were instructed to visit ABeerOnBud.com and upload proof of vaccination, such as a selfie or photo. In return, they would receive a $5 virtual debit card to be used to purchase a beer at a bar.
Connecticut Restaurant Program Connecticut was giving out free drinks at over 100 restaurants when people bought food and showed their vaccination cards.
The Mint Dispensary The Mint Dispensary in Phoenix offered free edibles to customers over the age of 21 who had been vaccinated and could show their card. Separately, Lowell Herb Co. in California offered a limited edition joint called "The Selfless Sativa" for one cent.
So Good So You This brand offered an immunity-boosting probiotic shot for those who had received their vaccine.
Retail and Store Credit Offers
Target Individuals who received their COVID-19 vaccine at a CVS located inside a Target store were eligible for a $5 Target coupon. This coupon was valid for in-store purchases of $5 or more. The offer was contingent on checking availability and scheduling a vaccine appointment through CVS.com.
Travel and Transportation Offers
United Airlines United Airlines ran a promotion giving away round-trip flights for two every day in June. On July 1, five grand-prize winners were set to receive a year's worth of free flights for themselves and a companion, valid for any destination and class that United flies. Participation required membership in United's MileagePlus loyalty program.
Uber and Lyft Both Uber and Lyft offered free or discounted trips to and from vaccination centers for individuals who had booked a shot but were facing transportation challenges.
State and Employer Incentives
Beyond corporate offers, various states and employers have implemented their own incentive structures.
State-Level Programs Ohio’s Vax-a-Million lottery is a primary example, offering cash prizes and scholarships. Other states may offer different incentives, though specific details beyond Ohio’s program were not provided in the source data.
Employer Incentives Many companies are incentivizing their employees to get vaccinated through paid time off, gift cards, or cash payments.
Childcare Support
A significant barrier for some individuals, particularly parents and caregivers, is finding childcare to get vaccinated or recover afterward. Several organizations have stepped in to address this:
- Learning Care: Free childcare is available for parents and caregivers to get vaccinated and recuperate. Individuals can call (833) 459-3557 or visit the Learning Care website for details.
- KinderCare: Free childcare is offered to help parents and caregivers get vaccinated and recuperate. Contact can be made by calling (866) 337-3105 or visiting the KinderCare website.
- Bright Horizons: Free childcare is available for 10 million workers at participating organizations to get vaccinated and recuperate. The contact number is 833-545-1081, and details are available on the Bright Horizons website.
Other Incentives and Sweeps
The provided data also mentions a range of other incentives, though specific brand names or detailed terms are not always included. These include:
- Sweepstakes to win free cruises, tickets to Super Bowl LVI, and cash prizes.
- A chance to win $1 million and free groceries for a year.
- $2 million in gift cards to community health centers to incentivize vaccinations.
- Premium content for users who show their vaccination status on an app.
- A 10% discount on a purchase after getting vaccinated at a participating location.
Important Considerations for Participants
When seeking these incentives, consumers should be aware of several key points:
- Proof of Vaccination: Most offers require individuals to show a COVID-19 vaccination card or provide other acceptable proof of vaccination status.
- Geographic Restrictions: Many offers are only available at specific locations (e.g., Krispy Kreme stores in the U.S., Shake Shack locations) or within certain states (e.g., Connecticut’s restaurant program).
- Expiration Dates: Some promotions have clear end dates, such as Shake Shack's offer ending on June 12, while others, like Krispy Kreme's, are ongoing.
- Purchase Requirements: Certain deals, like Shake Shack's free fries, require the purchase of another item.
- Eligibility and Sign-Up: Some programs, like United's flight giveaway, require membership in a loyalty program. Others, like the Budweiser offer, require visiting a specific website and uploading proof.
- Reliability of Information: The source data includes information from news articles summarizing various offers. For the most accurate and current details, including terms and conditions, consumers should always verify offers directly through official brand websites, verified sign-up forms, or terms of service pages. Offers may change or expire, and unverified reports should be treated with caution.
Conclusion
A diverse array of incentives has been created to encourage COVID-19 vaccination across the United States. These range from immediate, tangible rewards like free doughnuts, fries, and drinks to high-value opportunities such as cash prizes, scholarships, and free travel. Support programs, particularly for childcare, address practical barriers that may prevent individuals from getting vaccinated. While these incentives can provide an additional nudge, the decision to get vaccinated should be based on health considerations. For those who choose to participate, carefully reviewing the specific terms, conditions, and expiration dates for each offer is essential. Consumers are advised to rely on official brand communications for the most reliable information regarding available freebies and promotions.