The Houston Health Department launched a new monetary incentive program with Houston in Action and Human Age Digital to encourage Houstonians to get vaccinated as the city continues its efforts to combat COVID-19.
The new initiative, which will begin Jan. 29 and end March 10, will enter those who get a vaccine dose or booster shot at eligible sites into a drawing for a $1,000 gift card.
In a Jan. 26 press release, the HHD announced the program was funded with money from a $50,000 grant awarded to Human Age Digital to increase vaccination rates in the city.
Every Friday during the duration of the six-week program, two people will be chosen for gift cards, allowing for a total of 12 winners, according to the release. Those who enter the pool for the drawing may only do so once.
Eligible sites for the $1,000 incentive include: Acres Home Multi-Service Center, Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, Magnolia Multi-Service Center, Northside Health Center, Sharpstown Health Services, Southwest Multi-Service Center and Sunnyside Health Center.
Some pop-up sites may be eligible for the $1,000 program as well. The list of weekly eligible sites can be found at www.houstonhealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.
During this time, the department will also be awarding $50 gift cards to those who get their first or booster shot at select pop-up sites, according to the release. This will continue until the total of 760 gift cards are completely distributed.
Those who wish to participate in the $50 incentive program may visit these select pop-up sites: Lyons Elementary School, Benavidez Elementary School and Brookline Elementary School.
All ages that are eligible for the vaccine or the booster shot are allowed to enter the incentive program. However, according to the Houston Emergency Operation Center website, the vaccination of minors requires parental consent.
Those who participate in the program must sign a declaration to prove eligibility, which will be verified through the Texas immunization database, according to the release. Vaccinations at health department-affiliated sites do not require proof of residency, citizenship or insurance.
