GASTONIA, N.C. — Health officials say anyone who gets their COVID-19 vaccine at Gaston County’s Public Health Department can get a $100 gift card for their time.
This new gift card incentive, funded by the State of North Carolina, was created in an effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Officials say in addition to the person receiving their shot, anyone who drives an unvaccinated person to get their vaccine will get a state-funded $25 gift card for their time (anyone 18-years-old and up is eligible).
Gaston County Public Health officials say they hope to boost local vaccination rates amid rising cases in the community with these incentives offered through the state’s Summer Card program.
Officials say currently only 37 percent of Gaston County residents are fully vaccinated, with 40 percent partially vaccinated.
Public Health Director Steve Eaton says the good news is that the vaccines against COVID are showing tremendous protection against the virus.
“The simple truth is the vaccines work,” Eaton said. “We are excited to be able to offer the incentive provided by the state in an effort to increase the number of our residents getting vaccinated.”
The gift cards will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the Gaston County Public Health Department will post to its Facebook page when more gift cards become available or when they have run out for the day.
Health officials say residents do not need to make an appointment to get vaccinated. The vaccines are available for free at the health department facility located on W. Hudson Boulevard in Gastonia Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here to find more information on vaccination opportunities in the county.
