Get Vaccinated, Get A $25 Market Basket Gift Card: MA Governor

TEWKSBURY, MA — When it comes to getting most of its residents vaccinated, Massachusetts is leading the way nationwide, according to Gov. Charlie Baker. To date, nearly 80 percent of adults in the state have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 60 percent, or about 3.7 million, are fully vaccinated.

Yet despite those high numbers, Baker said during a news conference Wednesday at Market Basket in Chelsea that there's still plenty of work that needs to be done. The governor is hoping to get shots in the arms of residents living in the communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

During the news conference, Baker said the state has invested $30 million in a vaccine initiative to address vaccine hesitancy and increase access to vaccines in 20 hardest hit communities.

"As we get closer to that goal of vaccinating over 4 million residents with two shots we’ve been ramping up community outreach efforts to reach the remaining residents who still are not vaccinated," Baker said.

As part of its strategy to further increase vaccination rates, the state has partnered with the Tewksbury-based grocer to launch a series of new mobile vaccine clinics at several Market Basket parking lots across the commonwealth.

To sweeten the deal, residents who get the shot will receive a $25 gift card that can be used at the grocery store.

"Since people began getting vaccinated back in December, the vaccines do save lives and they are a big part to how we go back to normal," Baker added.

The Pfizer vaccine will be available to residents at Market Baskets in Fall River, Chelsea, Lawrence, Lynn and Revere starting Thursday. First doses will be administered through this Saturday and June 10-12 of next week. Second doses will be offered June 24-July 3.

“I want to thank Market Basket for hosting these clinics on their properties. We know these are convenient community locations. They are very heavily traveled," Baker said.

While advanced registration for an appointment is encouraged, walk-ins are welcomed. For anyone who needs a ride getting a vaccine at Market Basket, they can take a free Lyft ride to and from their appointment. Just text “free ride” to 833-460-2202 for a code.

Vaccines are available across the state in more than 900 locations. The vaccines are free, and neither insurance nor an ID is needed to get one. To book a vaccination appointment near you, click here.