COVID-19 Shot In NJ Now Gets You Free Beach Pass, Glass Of Wine

NEW JERSEY — Maybe this will take the sting out of getting a COVID-19 shot: free wine, free parks, a free beach pass and even a chance to have dinner with Gov. Phil Murphy.

Murphy, appearing in Seaside Park on Wednesday, announced three new incentives to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in the state: getting a free glass of wine at nine state wineries, free entry to all state parks — including Island Beach State Park — and a chance to have dinner with the governor and his wife.

Under the "Uncork the Vaccination" program, any resident 21 and above who gets their first COVID-19 vaccine dose in May can get a free glass of wine at any of the nine participating wineries:

• Amalthea Cellars, Atco
• Auburn Road Vineyards, Pilesgrove
• Bellview Winery, Landisville
• DiMatteo Vineyards, Hammonton
• Salem Oak Vineyards, Pedrickton
• Terhune Orchards, Princeton
• Tomasello Winery, Hammonton
• Villa Milagro Vineyards, Phillipsburg
• White Horse Winery, Hammonton

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is collaborating with the state for this program.

“Very similar to our ‘Shot and A Beer Campaign,’ ‘Uncork the Vaccination’ will put our world-class wineries in the spotlight,” Murphy said at Wednesday’s press conference.

“Go out and get your shot in May and then head out to one of these great participating wineries, take a walk through the vineyards, and enjoy some of the best that Jersey has to offer.”

Also beginning on Wednesday, any resident 18 years and older who has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win dinner with Murphy and the first lady.

Last date to enter is May 31. Sign up here.

“First lady Tammy Murphy and I are putting our own skin in the game,” said Murphy.

The winner will dine at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence at Princeton or the governor’s shore home at Island Beach State Park. The dinner will also include a private tour of the house and the grounds.

The final initiative, "Vax and Visit," gives every vaccinated New Jersey resident free entry to state parks, including what essentially amounts to a free beach pass at Island Beach State Park.

Beginning May 27, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will offer a free State Parks Vax Pass under the new “Vax and Visit” campaign to all residents who receive at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccination by July 4.

The State Parks Vax Pass allows free access to all of New Jersey’s 51 State parks and forest facilities that charge daily walk-in or parking fees.

The program is valid through Dec. 31. Residents will be able to request a State Parks Vax Pass upon entry at any park, including Island Beach State Park.

The Department of Environmental Protection will also provide refunds to residents who already purchased an annual state park pass this year and have been fully vaccinated.

“With continually improving public health indicators, we want every New Jersey resident to get a State Parks Vax Pass and get out to enjoy our incredible State Parks with their families and friends,” said Shawn LaTourette, acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“From High Point in the northwest to Cape May Point in the southeast, our state parks provide a great place for New Jerseyans to connect with one another and with nature. A free State Parks Vax Pass is just one small way that we can thank our fellow residents for taking good care of themselves and each other by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.”