Mayor Adams Announces $100 Incentive Push for COVID-19 First Doses, Boosters

February 11, 2022

$100 Incentive Available at City-Run and SOMOS Vaccine Sites Through End of February

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that starting tomorrow, February 12, the city will reopen the $100 COVID-19 vaccine incentive for New Yorkers who get boosted at a city-run or SOMOS site through the end of the month. New Yorkers who receive their first dose at a city-run site will also continue to be eligible for a $100 incentive until the end of February. The incentive is being made in a continued push to get New York City residents vaccinated and boosted.

“New Yorkers have done a tremendous job getting vaccinated, but I know we can do more,” said Mayor Adams. “The more of us protected against COVID-19, the quicker we can get through this pandemic. To anyone thinking about getting vaccinated or boosted, now is the time! Protect yourself and those around you and make some money while you’re at it. I also encourage New Yorkers thinking about how to spend their $100 to buy from our small businesses. They have kept New York City running throughout the pandemic and are the backbone of so many communities.”

Since launching the incentive program in July 2021, the percentage of all New Yorkers with at least one dose increased 25 percent, with over 800,000 pre-loaded gift cards being distributed to New Yorkers. Already, 77 percent of incentives distributed have gone to New Yorkers of color and tens of millions of dollars have been reinvested into local businesses and spent at grocery stores, restaurants, bodegas, and on transportation.

Both first doses and booster doses will be eligible for the $100 incentive until February 28th, and prepaid cards will be redeemable until March 31st. Additionally, the city retains the capability to quickly relaunch these initiatives if the need arises.

“Every vaccine brings us one step closer to the other side of this pandemic,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The vaccine incentive program has encouraged over 800,000 New Yorkers to prioritize getting their COVID-19 vaccine, and thereby protect their health, the health of their families, and school communities. We urge all New Yorkers to do their part and get vaccinated and boosted.”  

“Vaccination has been the biggest driver for economic recovery following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Already, more than 800,000 pre-loaded debit cards were distributed to New Yorkers, who in turn spent tens of millions of dollars within their local communities,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am grateful for all the New Yorkers who protected themselves by getting the vaccine and then supported vital small businesses that kept this city running.”

“Vaccination remains the best tool we have to prevent suffering due to COVID-19,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “New Yorkers, if you haven’t gotten your first dose or booster dose yet, there’s no better time than right now!”

“With more than 75 percent of New Yorkers fully vaccinated, people have proven they will do what it takes to protect themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Senior Advisor for Public Health and Incoming Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We must continue our efforts to get everyone vaccinated, as it’s our best tool to move closer to the end of this pandemic. The vaccine incentive program is crucial in this fight. Get vaccinated and get boosted, New York, we’re depending on you!”

“Vaccines offer life-saving protection against COVID-19, and the surest path towards the pandemic’s end,” said Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals and NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director Dr. Ted Long. “For anyone who has not had their first dose or their booster if they are eligible, this is the time to get vaccinated to protect your family and your community. Visit VAX4NYC.nyc.gov to find a site near you, or get a vaccination from us in your home. If we all get vaccinated, we will win the fight against COVID-19.”

“NYCEDC has been proud to manage the vaccine incentive program on behalf of the city. Both school children and adults are now vaccinated because they took advantage of the $100 program,” said Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “Not only did New Yorkers benefit from the life-saving vaccine but also from the economic boost their spending has had at local shops, restaurants, and bodegas.”
  
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