The City of Milwaukee is once again offering a financial incentive to try and boost vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Thursday, anyone ages 5 and up getting their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will receive a $100 gift card.
This comes as adult vaccination rates for the disease have slowed, and childhood shots remain low across the state and nation.
Fewer than a quarter of children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 according to state data, a situation that one pediatrician said could leave Wisconsin a “sitting duck” as the pandemic continues with high levels of infection in every county even as new cases are declining.
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In Milwaukee, over 14 percent of tests are coming back positive and health officials say the community has “extreme transmission” of COVID-19.
During a Milwaukee Health Department press conference, acting Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, along with local health officials, urged people to wear face masks indoors, get tested and get vaccinated — advice they hope will go further will some cash.
“There are 1,000 of these $100 dollar gift cards available to residents. Take advantage of this opportunity to protect your health, the health of the community and earn some extra money,” Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday.
Additionally, Milwaukee County is giving away free N95 masks through Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center.
Gift cards for first doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed at all city health sites and mobile clinics.
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