Austin Public Health is offering $50 gift cards for COVID shots, boosters
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health is increasing its incentive for Travis County residents to receive COVID vaccinations, the health authority announced Monday.
Travis County residents can get $50 Visa gift cards in exchange for any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including first, second and booster shots. Visa gift cards can be used wherever they are accepted.
APH said it has previously provided gift cards to people getting their first and second doses, but the COVID-19 vaccine incentive program is expanding to people getting booster shots.
The health department said there is a decrease in demand for COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine rates are static in low-income communities and areas of Travis County with limited access to clinics.
APH said about 38 percent of Austin-Travis County residents received an additional dose after the primary series. Additionally, 59.6% of black residents, 39.6% of Hispanic residents, and 37.4% of white residents are unvaccinated.
“With the public health emergency expected to end in May, the availability of free COVID-19 vaccines will likely decrease,” Dr. Desmar Walkes, director of the Austin-Travis County Health Authority.
Upcoming vaccine events from APH are listed online. People can also visit vaccines.gov to see nearby vaccine locations.
