ASHEBORO NC – the list of incentives is growing for anyone hasn’t gotten their first COVID-19 vaccine,
Randolph County Public Health announced they will be giving out a limited number of $25 Summer Cash Cards, starting on August 5th.
UPDATE: On August 4th Randolph County Public Health announced that the amount of the Summer cash cards being offered has been increased from $25 to $100. (All the same rules and restrictions still apply)
To be eligible you must be at least 18 years-old and be getting your first COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re getting your second dose you’re not eligible. Gift cards will also be given to anyone who drives someone to the health department to get the vaccine. Drivers must be over 18 years-old and can’t be getting compensated for the ride (sorry Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers). Drivers must also provide a ride back and sign a form accompanied by the person who received their first shot. There is a limit of one gift card per trip, even if you are giving a ride multiple people.
The Summer Cash Cards are part of a statewide program to help encourage those who haven’t been vaccinated yet. The “Your Shot at $1 Million” drawing picks one winner to receive a $1 million dollar prize. Those under 18 are entered into four drawings to win $125,000 for post-secondary education.
Everyone who gets the vaccine is automatically entered. Those who were vaccinated after June 10 will be entered twice into the Summer Cash drawing. Two winners have already been announced, one in Forsyth County and another in Pineview. The next drawing will take place on Aug 4th.
President Biden calls for $100 payments to boost vaccine rate
On top of the Summer Cash Cards, and the $1 Million Dollar drawings, there may more incentives coming. The Treasury Department announced on Thursday that President Biden called on “state, territorial, and local governments” to provide $100 payments to newly vaccinated Americans. The aim is to boost vaccination rates. The White House pointed to the grocery store chain Kroger as evidence that providing payment would work. The chain saw vaccination rates jump from 50% to 75% among employees with a similar incentive program. According to the Treasury department the American Rescue Plan has already allocated $350 billion through State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Program. Biden says states can use money from the COVID relief law to pay the incentive programs.