NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday announced 50,000 New Yorkers have received the $100 vaccine incentive offered at city-run vaccination sites.
"Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is easy, safe, and even comes with a bonus $100 at city-run sites," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "I'm thrilled 50,000 New Yorkers have taken advantage of this incentive so far. This is clearly a smart, effective way to drive up vaccination rates. It’s proof that more cities and states across the country should follow President [Joe] Biden’s urging to adopt New York City’s $100 incentive.”
According to the mayor’s office, a majority of the $100 cards have gone to New Yorkers of color. Of the 50,000 people who received the reward, 43% identified as Hispanic, 21% were Black, 13% were Asian, and 9% were White – 5% identified as “other” while 7% declined to answer.
Additionally, the majority of those who received the vaccine incentive were under the age of 34.
“We’re excited to see the positive outcomes our city’s $100 incentive for first shots is having on our vaccination rates,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog. “Regardless of the motive, the ultimate reward is protecting themselves and their loved ones from the threats of COVID-19 and its Delta variant.”
According to data from the New York State Department of Health, over 5.2 million in the five boroughs are now fully vaccinated. However, the Bronx and Staten Island are still struggling to boost their numbers.
Health officials and local politicians in New York City continue to urge all New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the virus, especially as the delta variant continues to surge across the United States.