Some COVID-19 vaccine sites already out of $100 incentives

WRAL News has learned some vaccine clinics in the area have run out of the prepaid gift cards not long after the program launched.

Posted 9:04 a.m. Aug 6, 2021 — Updated 10:24 p.m. Aug 6, 2021

Joe Fisher, WRAL reporter

and

Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter

APEX, N.C. — North Carolina's new $100 cash incentive to get a COVID-19 shot appears to be convincing more people to roll up their sleeves .

Just two days after the state increased its incentive to get a first shot, many locations have run out of cash cards all together.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the surge in vaccinations was unexpected -- but with $11 million to spend -- officials hope people will be leaving clinics with money in hand by next week. The department posted an update on its website on Thursday.

Due to demand, many of our participating providers have run out of $100 Summer Cards. We will have more cards available next week and will continue updating our list of events.

The incentive launched on Wednesday at multiple vaccine sites. It’s $100 for anyone getting their first shot and $25 for the person who drives them there. The program runs through Aug. 31.

The delay has been frustrating for some, who told WRAL News they went to get vaccinated because they needed the money.

"I’m broke and I could use the money," said Jeff Horton.

Morgan Hulgan and her father, both of Raleigh, got their shots at a clinic in Apex. They’ll have to come back to claim their card.

"I’m like a $100 would be nice because times are tough," Hulgan said.

"It’s not here," Horton said. "We showed up for the vaccine, and it’s not here.”

Some vaccine providers ran out of the cards in a single day, according to health officials.

“We are interpreting the demand as a really good sign,” said Hattie Gawande, NCDHHS policy adviser.

Gawande said the state has ordered 20 times the number of Cash Cards for next week.

“Usually we are able to keep up with demand, but when you see a 35% spike in vaccination in a single week, sometimes it means we are going to run out,” Gawande said.

More than 100 locations statewide are offering $100 cards, with just 11 locations in Raleigh and Durham. Each clinic operates on different days and different times

Two friends took the bus today to Shaw University. The location is listed on the state’s website, but the clinic doesn’t open until August 30.

Jason Kirkwood, of Raleigh, said he probably wouldn't have gone to the location for the vaccine if not for the cash reward.

"I have bigger things to do

On top of the money, Hulgan says she was also motivated to get vaccinated after her young son was exposed to the virus.

“I can’t see him, he can’t go to school, he missed the first day of soccer practice,” Hulgan said.

It’s those real life consequences that’ll have her returning for her second shot.

The $100 is only being offered at select locations.

Organizers said it’s best to call or check online to see the list of participating vaccine sites and times they’ll be open.

The state will be getting more cash cards to providers next week. That’s also when they’ll be updating their list online.

A $25 gift card is available for people who drive someone to a vaccine clinic.

The latest data from the state shows 62% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one vaccine dose. More than 76,000 first doses were administered last week, an 85% increase from a week in early July.

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