Are you ready to get vaccinated against COVID? Now through Sept. 30, people who receive their first dose at participating clinics in Rochester are eligible to receive a $100 thank you gift card.
The thank you gift cards are funded by a coalition of partners that were brought together by United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. In addition to initial funding by United Way, ESL Federal Credit Union, Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, Greater Rochester Health Foundation and Konar Foundation stepped up to support this initiative. Vaccine outreach workers have used the gift cards to alert people to area vaccine clinics, and help people surmount barriers to getting vaccinated.
“From the start of COVID, our partners have stepped up big in many ways to help our community through one of the largest public health crisis in our lifetime,” said Jaime Saunders, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “We are so grateful to our funding partners, Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Common Ground Health dedicated to giving everyone in our region the opportunity for this life-saving vaccinated.”
Incentives have played a key role in boosting vaccination rates. This week all of Rochester’s ZIP codes achieved 50% vaccination rate, thanks in part to incentive programs and one-on-one outreach.
The $100 thank you gifts began Sept. 10. Vaccine locations can accommodate walk-ins but people are encouraged to sign up for a vaccine appointment to ensure that enough thank you gift cards are available at each location. While any unvaccinated individuals from throughout the region who meet age qualifications can receive the incentive, outreach is focused on those living in areas of Rochester and Monroe County with low vaccination rates.
Some locations are offering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine for ages 18 and up, and others are offering the two-dose Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up. Those younger than 18 should have proof of age and parent or guardian consent. Visit www.flvaccinehub.org/updates#thankyou to find out which vaccines each location is offering or call 585-753-5555. The gift card incentive is only available for a first dose.
The thank you gifts can help people overcome such barriers as lack of transportation, lack of child care or employment issues that may have prevented them from getting vaccinated.
“While the COVID-19 vaccines are free, some people in our community have not yet taken advantage of them because of such barriers as transportation and child care,” said Wade Norwood, Common Ground Health CEO and co-chair of the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force. “Offering these thank-you gifts will help overcome those obstacles and enable more people to get the shot.”
Information on assistance for transportation and for those who cannot leave their homes is available on the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub website. Those getting vaccinated are also eligible for up to four hours per shot of paid leave time under New York State law.
Participating clinics:
(Dates are subject to change. For updates, visit https://www.flvaccinehub.org/updates#thank-you)
Sept. 16
Cameron Community Ministries, 48 Cameron St., Rochester
North Greece Road Church of God, 1039 North Greece Road, Greece
First Genesis Baptist Church, 292 Hudson Ave., Rochester
Lyell Library, 956 Lyell Ave., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 17
Lincoln Library, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 18
A Call to Women of Color event, Genesee Valley Park, Roundhouse Shelter Area, 1000 East River Road, Rochester
Marijuana Conviction Expungement Clinic, Parcel 5, 285 E. Main St., Rochester
The Vineyard, 126 Sanders St., Rochester
Memorial AME Zion Church, 549 Clarissa St., Rochester
Sept. 19
Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St., Rochester
Sept. 20
Arnett Library, 310 Arnett Blvd., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 21
Diva Defined Salon & Boutique, 2886 Dewey Ave., Rochester
Lightfoot R-Center, 271 Flint St., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
RGRTA Transit Center, 60 St. Paul St., Rochester
Sept. 22
Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 23
Church of Love, 700 Exchange St., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 24
Lincoln Library, 851 Joseph Ave, Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 25
Connected Communities, 250 Grand Ave., Rochester
God’s Vision Ministry, 694 Hudson Ave., Rochester
Sept. 26
Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St., Rochester
True Light Church of God in Christ, 263 Columbia Ave., Rochester
Sept. 27
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
RGRTA Transit Center, 60 St. Paul St., Rochester
Sept. 28
Lightfoot R-Center, 271 Flint St., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 29
Adams Street R-Center, 85 Adams St., #2210, Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester
Sept. 30
Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St., Rochester
MCC Downtown Campus, Corner of 321 State St & Morrie Silver Way, Rochester