You Won't Believe These Weird Vaccine Incentives

While 50% of American adults have received at least one shot of the available COVID-19 vaccines, the number of people getting immunized has plummeted as doses have become more widely available. That reticence isn't due to a lack of creativity by states and brands to make a jab in the arm more attractive. Here is a list of weird incentives that have been offered to Americans for getting vaccinated. 

Related: Are You Vaccinated? Claim These Discounts and Freebies as a Reward

It turns out those working in the adult entertainment industry really, really want their guests to get the shot, too. Hustler Clubs across the country are offering those who show proof of being fully vaccinated a Platinum Membership Card, a complimentary bottle, free dances from a vaccinated entertainer, tickets to see an "after dark" show, and limousine transportation. The combined value of the freebies is $5,000. In May, the Las Vegas Hustler Club also had a mobile shot clinic on-site.

If you've always wanted to have dinner with a politician and live in New Jersey, here's your chance. Anyone age 18 or older who has received at least one shot can enter to win dinner along (along with a guest) with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy. Even better, the winner can choose where to eat — either Drumthwacket, the official Governor’s residence located in Princeton, or the Governor’s residence in Island Beach State Park. Hurry, as entries must be submitted by May 31. 

On April 20, marijuana advocacy groups in New York City and Washington, D.C. offered joints to people leaving vaccination centers. The catch was finding out which centers would have groups outside handing out the goodies. DC Marijuana Justice said in a tweet that the locations would not be published in advance to prevent lines and crowding. 

If you're in prison in Massachusetts, you have a little extra incentive to get your COVID-19 vaccine. While it's not a get-out-of-jail-free card (those really only exist in Monopoly), getting both shots while in prison can result in reduced prison time. According to CNN, the Department of Corrections has determined that the shot is worthy of "good conduct deductions" of seven-and-one-half days being struck from a prisoner's sentence.

Anyone who visited the mobile vaccination site at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta, Illinois on May 14-15 and received the vaccine was able to nab 100 free targets of trap, skeet, or sporting clays. 

In early June, Gov. Jim Justice announced new incentives for residents of the Mountain State while also proving that he knows how to read a room. All vaccinated West Virginians will be eligible to win one of two four-year college scholarships, two custom-outfitted trucks, 10 custom hunting guns, five lifetime hunting and fishing permits, or one of 25 weekend getaways to West Virginia state parks. There will also be two cash prize drawings: one for $1.588 million and a runner-up amount of $588,000. Drawings for the campaign run from June 20 through Aug. 4. This news is in addition to a program Justice announced in April that gives vaccinated residents between the ages of 16 and 35 $100 savings bonds.