NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — As New York City continues to battle an uptick in COVID-19 cases, driven by the omicron variant, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced that the city will offer a cash incentive to get boosted.
“Get your booster shot, get a $100 incentive,” the mayor said during a morning press conference.
The offer is available at all city-run sites through Dec. 31, according to the mayor’s office.
De Blasio continued to stress that boosters were crucial in combating the rise in COVID-19 cases, and noted that having three doses of a vaccine greatly increases your ability to fight off the omicron virus.
“It’s gonna make you feel a lot safer, a lot better that you got the booster, and you’ll have some more cash in your pocket at the same time,” de Blasio said.
The incentive is also available at SOMOS Community Care centers in the five boroughs.
For those who cannot physically leave their homes – or do not wish to leave home – to get a booster shot, the mayor also said the city will be offering a third dose as part of its at-home vaccination program.
New Yorkers can visit NYC.gov/homevaccine to schedule an at-home appointment. Those who receive their first, second or third dose at home are also eligible for the $100 incentive.
“The $100 incentive is available for every family member,” de Blasio said. “If that’s a better option for you, you can get at-home vaccination and get the incentive for everyone who needs a vaccination.”
Mayor de Blasio said 1.7 million New Yorkers have already received their booster shots, but he would like to see that number continue to climb over the next few weeks.
“That’s amazing, that’s gonna help everyone to stay safe,” the mayor said. “But, there’s a lot more New Yorkers who can get that booster.”
The news came after nearly 42,600 people citywide tested positive from Wednesday through Saturday — compared with fewer than 35,800 in the entire month of November.
For those who are already fully vaccinated, a booster shot has been shown in lab tests to provide strong protection against omicron. Although reports of breakthrough cases abound, data show that vaccinated people who become infected are much less likely to suffer serious disease leading to hospitalization or death.
Scientists say omicron spreads even easier than other coronavirus strains, including delta. It accounted for nearly three-quarters of new U.S.
infections last week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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