DC offering free beer to residents who get a coronavirus vaccine

Washingtonians will be able to get a free beer alongside their coronavirus vaccine this week. 

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced Tuesday that individuals can get Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot coronavirus vaccine and a beer from Solace Brewing Co., a Washington-area craft brewery, on Thursday. 

Come get vaccinated and grab a beer, on us, to enjoy what looks to be a beautiful Thursday!

We’ll see you from 4-8 pm at The Reach at @kencen. No appointment necessary. pic.twitter.com/YQBXs5FRa1

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) May 4, 2021

The giveaway will be held at The Reach, an expansion outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Residents do not need to make an appointment to receive their vaccine. 

You take a shot and the beer is on us! #TaketheShotDC https://t.co/KdCMIETc0I

— Victura Park at the REACH (@VicturaParkDC) May 4, 2021

John Falcicchio, Washington, D.C.’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development, told The Hill that city officials haven’t confirmed any additional dates for the giveaway, which was led by the Washington-area H2 collective, beyond Thursday.

“We’re testing this out to see if it actually drives more people to get vaccinated,” Falcicchio said. He added that city officials thought the giveaway might attract younger individuals who may be more hesitant to get their COVID-19 vaccines.

Washington is not alone in offering residents over 21 a COVID-19 shot and a beer amid the ongoing pandemic; New Jersey’s Department of Health will buy residents a pint at participating breweries if they show proof that they have received their vaccine. 

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) administration is buying beers for residents at a group of restaurants that have signed up for the state’s #CTDrinksOnUs campaign.  

States have also adopted nonalcoholic giveaways to encourage residents to get inoculated. In West Virginia, younger residents who get vaccinated could receive a $100 savings bond, while Maryland is offering a new $100 bonus for state employees who receive their jab. 

Updated 5:33 p.m.