More Americans are getting their COVID-19 vaccination every day, hopefully bringing us closer to the pandemic’s end. And while that should be incentive enough to get the shot, some large companies and local businesses are starting to sweeten the deal with freebies, discounts, and other perks for the inoculated. Here are some places where flashing your vaccine card might get you more than a thumbs-up.
We hope your arm isn't too sore from your shot, because you'll want to raise it in a toast to this deal. Samuel Adams will send $7 through Cash App to the first 10,000 people who post their vaccination card or sticker on Twitter or Instagram. You'll have to tag @samueladamsbeer and use the hashtag #shotforsam. The deal starts April 12.
How’s this for a sweet reward? Show your vaccination card at Krispy Kreme and you can get one free original glazed donut every day from now until the end of the year. You must show up in person to get your freebie — online orders or deliveries aren’t eligible.
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The ride-sharing giant has pledged to provide free rides on appointment day for those getting their COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens. The initiative is part of a larger effort to provide up to 10 million free or reduced-rate rides for those who need help getting to and from vaccine appointments.
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For its part, Lyft has partnered with CVS, the YMCA, and others to provide free rides to vaccine appointments for those in need. Rides are coordinated through community nonprofits.
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It’s hard to say where and when we’ll need to flash proof of COVID-19 vaccination in the future, but the nation's major office-supply chains are pitching in to keep your card in top shape. You can take it in for free lamination through May 1 at Staples and through July 25 at Office Depot at OfficeMax.
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If you’re willing to share a vaccination selfie on Instagram, online shopping rewards app Drop will give you from $20 to $50 in points that can be redeemed at a wide range of places, including Amazon and Starbucks. You have to use the hashtag #DropCovid and tag the company, @JoinDrop.
If you’ve got life insurance through John Hancock, make sure you’re a part of its Vitality rewards program before you get your shots. Participants who get their COVID-19 vaccines will get 400 reward points that can go toward perks like discounts on travel, retail, food, and fitness wearables.
What better way to blow off pandemic steam than with a few classic video games? Up-Down, an arcade chain with locations in six Midwestern cities including Minneapolis and St. Louis, will give fully vaccinated customers 20 free tokens, an offer that will stay on the table through the end of summer.
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Will vaccines mean a much-needed influx of business for the travel industry? Revenue-starved hotels and airlines certainly hope so. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, a luxury property in the United Arab Emirates, has been offering a 25% discount for vaccinated customers, plus another 25% off several dining options, including an indulgent brunch.
It remains to be seen whether many national chains will get on board with vaccine discounts, but some local restaurants are embracing the idea. Here are just a few:
Brianno’s Deli Italia: This deli in Eagan, Minnesota, is giving customers a 10% discount through the end of April if they show proof they’ve been vaccinated.
Brooklyn Brewery: Through the end of April, grab a four- or six-pack of beer on the house at the Williamsburg tasting room of this Brooklyn brewery when you show your vaccine card.
Junior's: Lucky New Yorkers can get a very sweet reward for their jab. The Brooklyn institution will give anyone who shows proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot a free mini cheesecake through Memorial Day.
Market Garden Brewery: How’s a 10-cent beer sound? This Cleveland brewery will give the ultra-cheap brewskis to the first 2,021 customers to show their complete COVID-19 vaccination cards.
Nathan's Famous: Another famous New York City spot, iconic Nathan's will give a free hot dog to patrons who visit the Coney Island shop on the same day of their vaccination and show their vaccine card.
Oak and Reel: This special-occasion Italian restaurant in Detroit has been offering vaccinated patrons a hefty 50% off.
Rumbleseat Bar & Grille: This restaurant in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is offering 20% off all food orders on Mondays for customers who show proof of vaccination, as long as mask mandates remain in effect.
Super Duper Burgers: How do some free fries sound? Snap a picture of yourself at your vaccine site, then post it on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with hashtag #covidvaccine. Show the picture to the cashier at one of these San Francisco-area restaurants and dig in.
Uno Dos Tacos: Get some free chips and salsa at this San Francisco restaurant by following the same process from sister chain Super Duper Burgers.
Village Tap: This Chicago bar is offering a $10 gift card “as a token of our gratitude” to the first 1,000 customers who show proof of vaccination.
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DC Marijuana Justice: This group that advocated for the legalization of marijuana in D.C. announced in January that it would be giving out bags of pot outside vaccination centers after slots open to the general public. Its program, naturally, is called “Joints for Jabs.”
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Take yourself out to the ballgame more safely and cheaply with this deal from the Reds: The team is offering $10 tickets to fans who show proof of at least one COVID-19 shot. The deal is good for games in April and May, Mondays through Thursdays only. Fans have to show up at the Great American Ball Park in person and can purchase six tickets with each vaccine card.
Soak up the sun with a sweet offer from this San Diego-based business. Vaccinated customers can get free paddle board, surfboard, and snorkel rentals Monday through Thursday until June 14, plus 20% off clothing through the same date. Tours must be booked online using the code VACCINE, and you'll need to show proof of your shot at the store. Use code VAX20 online for the apparel deal, or show proof in store.
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Movie theaters certainly have an incentive to safely lure more patrons back into theaters. Cleveland Cinemas will give a free 44-ounce popcorn to anyone who has purchased a movie ticket and shows their vaccine card. The offer is good at two locations through the end of April.
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