The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) teamed up Wednesday with the Washington Football Team to offer incentives for fans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Richmond.
“We are pleased to work with the Washington Football Team to help ensure that Training Camp is a fun, safe, and educational environment for everyone in attendance,” State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, M.D. said, according to a press release. “Plus, with our mobile vaccination site set up all week at Training Camp, this is another wonderful opportunity for anyone who is able to get vaccinated to do so. Your best protection from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.”
Two vaccinated fans will win free tickets and parking passes to the Football Team’s home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Wednesday, the Football Team also celebrated “Frontline Heroes Day,” honoring those who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In partnership with VDH, the Washington Football Team will celebrate those who’ve worked to keep communities safe and functional throughout the pandemic,” the press release said. “To show appreciation for their efforts and bravery, approximately 100 frontline workers will enjoy a VIP Experience during the first morning practice of this year’s Training Camp. In addition, all fans visiting Training Camp who demonstrate proof they are frontline workers will receive a 20 percent discount at the team store.”
CBS6 reporter Caroline Colburn reported from the event, where fans were gathered:
@WashingtonNFL is back in Richmond! 🏈 @VDHgov is partnering with the team to offer COVID-19 vaccines to fans.💉You could win free tickets to the first home game, as well as a signed football if you get a shot. More details on @CBS6 News at Noon. pic.twitter.com/Nas3LeQttd
— Caroline Coleburn (@CColeburnTV) July 28, 2021
Incentive-based COVID-19 vaccinations have been commonplace across the country.
Perhaps the most high-profile incentive plan was Ohio’s “Vax-a-Million” lottery, which randomly chose five vaccinated adults and gave them one million dollars each. It also gave full scholarships to any public Ohio university for five vaccinated teenagers.
Other vaccine incentives from across the country ranged from a pop-up clinic at a Michigan zoo, where taking the jab earned free admission, to a Minnesota program that allowed vaccinated residents to select one of nine perks after being vaccinated, including free aquarium passes, fishing licenses, or state fair tickets.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Washington Football Team” by All-Pro Reels. CC BY-SA 2.0.
