Got The COVID-19 Vaccine? Get These Freebies In NC, Around The US

NORTH CAROLINA — If you’re still on the fence about getting the coronavirus vaccine, several businesses in North Carolina and elsewhere in the country hope to entice you with the promise of free doughnuts and beer.

More than 98 million Americans are now fully vaccinated, according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Near.y 2.7 million are in North Carolina.

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.

Meanwhile, businesses are stepping up, hoping to sweeten the deal with a few freebies.

While we acknowledge it shouldn’t take the promise of free stuff to get vaccinated, there’s no harm in knowing what’s available once you have received it.

And if free stuff isn't enough of an enticement, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has vowed to lift the state's indoor mask mandate once two-thirds of adults in the state are vaccinated.

Current vaccination rates, however, show the state has some work to do in order to meet that goal. As of April 28, nearly 49 percent of the adults 18 years old and older were partially vaccinated, while 39 percent were fully vaccinated, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

SEE ALSO: North Carolina's Outdoor Mask Mandate Set To End: Here's When

• 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 doughnut every day by taking your vaccination card to any Krispy Kreme location. No other purchase is required to snag your free doughnut.
• 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.

Here’s a look at other freebies offered around the country:

• Brianno’s Deli Italia: This deli based in Eagan, Minnesota, is giving customers 10 percent off through the month of April.
• Cincinnati Reds: This MLB team is offering discounted tickets starting at $10 for those with proof of vaccination.
• Cleveland Cinemas: Show your vaccination card and get a free 44-ounce popcorn.
• Junior’s Cheesecake: Score a free mini cheesecake at their Brooklyn location for those who show they’ve been vaccinated.
• Nathan’s Hot Dogs: If you’re in New York City, grab a free hot dog the same day you receive your vaccine. Don’t forget to bring your vaccination card.
• Oak & Reel: Oak & Reel in Detroit is offering 50 percent off to dine-in customers with vaccination cards.
• Rumbleseat Bar & Grille: This restaurant in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is offering a 20 percent discount every Monday on food orders to people with vaccination cards.
• The Mint Dispensary: This Phoenix dispensary is offering free weed edibles if you show you've been vaccinated.
• Super Duper Burgers: This San Francisco Bay Area business is handing out free fries to customers who’ve been vaccinated.
• Up-Down: The Minneapolis-based arcade will give fully vaccinated customers 20 free tokens through the end of the summer.
• White Castle: Between April 22 and May 31, White Castle will give free dessert-on-a-stick to anyone who provides proof that they received a coronavirus vaccine.

Know of any other businesses offering freebies with proof of vaccinations? Send an email to kimberly.johnson@patch.com.