LYNN — Those looking to get their COVID-19 vaccines or boosters this month can also raise Thanksgiving dinner funds through the state’s newest vaccination incentive program.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in an effort to curb a potential COVID outbreak this holiday season, provided hundreds of $75 Market Basket gift cards to the Lynn Community Vaccination Site at 2 State St. to be distributed to those who got their vaccines.
Until Nov. 26, those who wish to get their COVID shots can stop by the Community Vaccination Site on Wednesdays Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19 and Nov. 26. can walk out with a $75 Market Basket gift card.
On Wednesday, the first day of the incentive’s opening, Site Lead for Cataldo Ambulance Services Kimbur Baker-Johnson, who oversees the clinic, said that with COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all circulating this fall, the gift card program will motivate community members to do their part in preventing a “tri-demic.” She said that the vaccination site offers every kind of COVID vaccine available.
“We have all brands available, but we have the Janssens, Novavax, Moderna, Pfizer, so whatever they’re interested in, we do have it as long as they’re within their requirements to have to be boosted, then we can go ahead and move forward and do that,” she said.
Baker-Johnson said that most of the clients who received their vaccinations Wednesday were not aware of the incentive program, and were pleasantly surprised after being handed their gift cards.
“The clients coming in today are not really aware of it, but when we do give it to them, they’re like ‘oh, wow, we’re getting a little incentive,’ ” Baker-Johnson said. “We have Thanksgiving coming up so it could be used in that area, and then they’re also reaching out to their family members, friends, co-workers, letting them know that we’re here. So slowly, but surely, we will have more people coming in.”
School Committee member Donna Copolla was among the first to receive the gift card bonus when she walked into the clinic Wednesday afternoon for her COVID-19 booster. She said that although she was not aware of the incentive program, she believes it’s important for everyone to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.
“We still have COVID ahead of us, and it could be a difficult winter, so get it early rather than later,” Coppola said.
Coppola added that a friend of hers had recently died after a year-long battle with COVID, which motivated her to stay cautious and get her vaccines.
“It was very disheartening, so it kind of encourages you. It reminds you that it’s (COVID-19) still around, and it only takes 10 minutes to get your shot,” she said.
Lynn resident Cesar Martinez and his five year-old son Cesar Martinez Jr, stopped by the clinic to get their booster shots Wednesday afternoon. Martinez Sr. said that he was planning to get himself and his son vaccinated before the holiday season, but decided to go early when he saw the incentive program advertised on Facebook.
“We want to be healthy, and the kids at his school, they’re all getting sick. This is pretty good because they motivate you to be healthy with a little extra gift card”, Martinez Sr said.
The Lynn Community Vaccination Center is one of the 268 clinics in the state operating under the state incentive. While walk-in vaccinations are accepted, Baker-Johnson said that the clinic encourages clients to register online in advance. No identification or proof of health insurance is required.
“We’d like to see as many people vaccinated as possible and so we are offering these community-based COVID vaccination clinics – including a $75 gift card incentive at select locations – to make it easier to protect your whole family against COVID-19,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke in a written statement. “These boosters are tailored to the most common variants of the virus and have been proven safe and effective for adults and children. If you’ve been thinking about getting the vaccine, now is the time.”
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at [email protected]
