The Free Stuff You Can Get With A COVID-19 Vaccination In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Businesses around the country are working to support vaccination efforts, offering free donuts, beer, and even pot edibles in some places to help end the public health crisis.

Nearly 96 million Americans are now fully vaccinated, according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 3 million are fully vaccinated in New Jersey. However, vaccine hesitancy remains high.

A recent NPR/Marist poll found that 1 in 4 Americans said they would refuse a coronavirus vaccine if offered to them. Another 5 percent are "undecided" about whether they will get the shot. Leading state, federal, and health officials have said that vaccine hesitancy is the next greatest and perhaps final barrier to overcome in ending the pandemic, now that the supply of doses has increased.

Meanwhile, businesses are stepping up in hopes of sweetening the deal with some vaccine rewards.

Here's a look at some of the free stuff being offered at chains around New Jersey and across the nation:

Budweiser: Now through May 16, Budweiser is giving a free beer to anyone 21 years or older. All you need to do is provide proof of vaccination on ABeerOnBud.com. But first, make sure to register at the company's mycooler.com website.

Krispy Kreme: Get a free glazed donut every day by taking your vaccination card to any Krispy Kreme location. No other purchase is required to snag your free donut.
Lyft/Uber: If you're not vaccinated yet, these ride-share services will take you to your appointment for free or at a discounted rate.
White Castle: Between now and May 31, White Castle will give free dessert-on-a-stick to anyone who provides proof that they received a coronavirus vaccine.
Lidl: The grocery chain is offering vaccinated employees $200.
Petco: Employees get $75 for showing proof a shot.

In Somerville, there are a dozen shops offering discounts to those who show their vaccine cards, according to the Downtown Somerville Alliance. On Wednesdays throughout May discounts are being offered at:

• Division Café
• Evolve Clothing Gallery
• Rita's Italian Ice
• Turf, Surf & Earth
• Blue Sheep Bake Shop
• Kuay Tiew Noodles and More
• De Martino Restaurant
• Incogneeto Vintage
• Mike's Courtside Kitchen
• Minuteman Press
• Dunkin Donuts/Baskin-Robbins
• Artisanal Tattoo

Elsewhere around the country, businesses are getting even more creative. One example is the Mint Dispensary, a Phoenix marijuana outlet, which is offering free weed edibles if you show you've been vaccinated. MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds are offering discounted tickets to games for the fully vaccinated.

Do you know of other businesses offering discounts like these? Let us know in the comments below.

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