Anyone who receives their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at any Harris County medical provider, such as doctor's offices and pharmacies, over the next five days will be eligible for a $100 gift card, County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced during an Aug. 26 press conference.
The announcement comes as Harris County Public Health reports a 706% increase in daily vaccinations since before the program was announced Aug. 17. The program's reported success has increased over the past few days with a 529% daily vaccine rate increase reported Aug. 24. That day, HCPH employees vaccinated more than 3,400 people, Hidalgo said.
“We are on a roll, Harris County,” Hidalgo said during the Aug. 26 press conference. “But the work is not done. We still have a ways to go to vaccinate enough of our population. ... And that is reflected in our hospitalization numbers.”
About 58% of Harris County's population remains unvaccinated as of Aug. 26, Hidalgo said.
The gift card incentive program was initially offered only to individuals who received their vaccines at a HCPH location. The program will continue through Aug. 31 and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Those who receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a medical office will need to submit a claim on the HCPH website by clicking here or by calling 832-927-8787. HCPH employees will then verify the claim through the Texas Department of State Health Services Texas Immunization Registry, Hidalgo said.
Vaccine appointments can also be scheduled through HCPH’s website and phone number.
Incentive program recipients have the option of receiving a digital gift card available immediately once the claim is approved or a physical gift card that can be received in the mail in three to 14 days.
“Time is running out,” Hidalgo said. “There are only five days to do this. ... So tell your friends, tell your family to get vaccinated and claim your $100.”
