There are those among us who can be bought off with a Dunkin gift card. Okay, I can be bought off with a Dunkin gift card.
But can a bunch of senior citizens who have thus far eluded a COVID-19 vaccine be bought off with a Dunkin gift card? That remains to be seen.
The Mitchell Administration has announced that beginning Wednesday, those 65 years old and older who receive a first vaccine dose at a participating vaccination site will receive a $20 Dunkin gift card. Is that fair?
Those sites include the walk-up FEMA-run clinic at the Waterfront Vaccination Center on Hervey Tichon Avenue, or at the New Bedford Health Department-operated clinics – including the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, New Bedford Health Department mobile clinics, and homebound vaccination appointments run by the Health Department and EMS.
Standard-Times Staff
NEW BEDFORD Depending on where you are, a vaccination card can provide some perks: a free Krispy Kreme doughnut, a free drink in Connecticut, a chance for a $1 million prize or college scholarship in Ohio, or a $100 savings bond in West Virginia.
Now in New Bedford, if you are a resident 65 and older and still unvaccinated, you can get a $20 Dunkin gift card with your first COVID-19 vaccine dose.
The city on Friday announced eligible people who get their first dose at specified clinic sites will receive a gift card starting Wednesday, May 19.
“Although we continue to learn more about COVID-19 all the time, there is no doubt that seniors are at far greater risk of serious illness from the disease than younger adults,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “If this modest incentive ends up saving lives by convincing more seniors to get vaccinated, it’ll have been worth every penny.”
New Bedford residents 65 and over who receive their COVID-19 vaccination at specified clinic sites in the city will receive a $20 Dunkin’ gift card with their first dose beginning on Wednesday, May 19, Mayor Jon Mitchell announced on Friday.
According to the release, while most of New Bedford’s seniors are vaccinated, the average vaccination rate for those 65 and up is lower than the state average.
“Dunkin’ gift cards will now be offered to any New Bedford resident age 65 and over who receive their vaccines at the walk-up FEMA-run clinic at the Waterfront Vaccination Center on Hervey Tichon Avenue, or at the New Bedford Health Department-operated clinics - including Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, New Bedford Health Department mobile clinics, and homebound vaccination appointments run by the Health Department and EMS. Gift cards will be distributed on-site for first doses, beginning on Wednesday, May 19.”