50,000 New Yorkers Take Advantage of $100 Incentive to Get Vaccinated

      After New Yorkers heard that they would receive $100 debit cards for getting vaccinated at city-run sites, 50,000 city residents stepped up to get their shots, the city announced today.

     According to city data, the majority of New Yorkers who took advantage of the $100 incentive were people of color: largely in groups that had previously hesitated to take the vaccine.

     While 43% of those who received the debit card were Hispanic, 21% were black, 13% were Asian, and 9% were white.

     In terms of age, 38%, which was the greatest segment of those who went for the $100 incentive, were  35 to 64 years-old, 36% were aged 18 to 34, and 23% were younger than 18.

     In July, when vaccination rates started to lag, on July 28, the city announced the $100 debit card incentive, as the more dangerous and contagious delta variant was once again increasing COVID positivity rates nationwide.

     The next day, on July 29, President Joe Biden seemed to take inspiration from New York City when he similarly encouraged other cities and states to offer $100 to Americans who came forward to get vaccinated, after research showed that one-third of unvaccinated Americans said that cash payments would make them more likely to get their shots.

    In New York City, 61% of its residents have gotten one vaccine dose, and approximately 56% are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the latest data from the city, although full vaccination rates remain under 50% in Brooklyn and the Bronx. 

     All New York City residents and employees are eligible for the $100 incentive, which is available digitally by entering an email address or mailing address to be sent prepaid debit cards.

     “This is the right thing to do and the shape of things to come,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, when he introduced the $100 incentive program after previously offering Metro cards, and tickets for sports, entertainment, and ferry rides to New Yorkers who got vaccinated.

 Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office