Gift Cards For Vaccinations: Wauwatosa Mayor Proposes Incentive

WAUWATOSA, WI — Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride on Monday proposed a novel idea to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19: gift cards to local businesses in exchange for vaccination, using $25 million in incoming American Rescue Plan funds.

McBride wants to offer gift cards worth $50 or $100 to people who get vaccinated, he told Patch. The gift cards could be used at Wauwatosa local businesses.

"Instead of punishing people for not getting vaccinated, you want to encourage people to get vaccinated," McBride said. "From what I've read, even small financial incentives can sometimes encourage people who may be hesitant to step forward and get vaccinated."

McBride has not yet proposed the idea to the Common Council, which holds the authority on how the city spends public money. And the city doesn't actually have the money yet: Half of the federal stimulus funds are due sometime this month, according to McBride.

McBride said he would extend the offer to city employees as well, even though some city employees live outside Wauwatosa.

Patch reached out to members of the Wauwatosa Common Council for comment on the proposal. Some declined to comment. One said it's too early to take a position on the idea; others have not yet responded.