NYC launches $100 booster shot incentive through the new year

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced Tuesday that the city will be offering residents a $100 incentive if they get their COVID-19 booster dose at a city-run or SOMOS vaccine clinic by the end of this year. 

SOMOS is a group of 2,500 physicians that have come together to “ensure better health care for Medicaid members” throughout the five boroughs, according to its website.

In a tweet posted Tuesday, de Blasio shared an image that said, “boost your immune system and your bank account!” to advertise the incentive. 

“This is the moment. Get your booster and protect your family and city,” de Blasio added.

TODAY we’re announcing a $100 incentive for anyone who gets a #COVID19 booster at a City-run site or with our partner @SOMOSCare. This is a limited time opportunity – through 12/31.

This is the moment. Get your booster and protect your family and city: https://t.co/tgaFXTIlet pic.twitter.com/8YQ5Dw9o0k

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 21, 2021

In July, New York City began offering a $100 incentive to its residents to encourage them to get fully vaccinated with the initial two-dose regimen to protect against COVID-19.

This incentive extended to children aged 5 through 11 in November, after the inoculation was approved by the FDA and CDC for that age group. 

COVID-19 omicron variant cases are rapidly rising in New York. During a Sunday news conference, de Blasio urged President Biden to deploy assistance to New York City amid the influx of omicron cases. The city was battered by the first wave of the coronavirus to hit U.S. shores in March 2020. 

Hospitals in Queens were overrun with COVID-19 cases, and hospitals throughout the five boroughs were forced to employ additional refrigeration trailers following an increase in COVID-19-related deaths. 

The flurry of recent cases has forced entertainment in the city to shut down. The Radio City Rockettes canceled their famous Christmas spectacular, and Saturday Night Live has removed their live studio audience. 

As of Monday, the omicron variant has become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S. 

According to The New York Times, officials in the city reported that as of Dec. 18, about 1.5 million New Yorkers out of more than 8 million had received booster shots 

The Times also stated that of fully vaccinated American adults, approximately 30 percent have gotten a booster shot, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. However, among all Americans, just about 1 in 6 have gotten their booster dose.