There are no state-run coronavirus vaccine incentive programs in Mississippi because of restrictions on how federal funds can be spent, according to Health Officials. But an upcoming community vaccination event in Jackson is offering free Chick-Fil-A gift cards. Pastor David McCoy of Central United Methodist Church says previous community vaccination events had a low turnout, but the gift cards could boost participation.
Pastor McCoy says "Mississippi is probably one of the lower states if not the last state as far as the percentage of people being vaccinated. And we want to change that. Mississippi is a great state and we want everyone to know it."
The vaccinations will be conducted by Central Mississippi Health Services. Clinical Coordinator Sharon Ivory says this partnership is a chance to see how people respond to vaccine incentives.
"Right now, we're just pacing ourselves. So once we meet with the other organizations, the other folks that want to collaborate with us, we'll see where we're going from there," says Ivory. "This is going to be a perfect idea this Saturday to see how it turns out in order for us to adjust."
This afternoon in Greenville, lawmakers are holding a vaccination event offering free catfish, a $25 raffle, and updates on the state's most pressing issues.
Kroger is also offering incentives for people who get the vaccine at the grocery store's pharmacies. Teresa Dickerson with Kroger's Delta Division says 5 participants who have been vaccinated will be randomly selected to win $1 million, and others can win free groceries for a year.
"Within Delta division, we have had an increase in people getting their vaccines, so the program is definitely working. And we're really encouraged by the number of people who have expressed interest," says Dickerson.
Kroger will be announcing the first winner of the giveaway later today.
