Bay Clinic Uses Gift Card Incentives to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccination

The Bay Clinic in Hilo continues to offer gift cards as an incentive to residents to take the COVID-19 vaccination.

“We have to do more to encourage Hawai’i Island residents to get the vaccine and perhaps a monetary incentive through the use of gift cards might do it for some”, stated Bay Clinic CEO Dr. Kimo Alameda.

The Hilo-based health clinic encourages unvaccinated individuals to get inoculated with at least $50 worth in gift cards for the first dose and $50 for the second dose, or $100 if they take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Additionally, patients who get the vaccine get a mahalo mystery gift bag with gift cards from a random selection of over 20 local supermarkets, restaurants, and other food eateries, as well as gas cards.

“Stopping the spread will take more than pleas from politicians, friends or medical professionals,” Alameda said. “Delivering real rewards beyond the vaccine’s health benefits may be required. This incentive program is also a way to address the increasing food insecurity in East Hawai’i and support local businesses. Truly, a win-win. We will see how it goes.”

Bay Clinic offers all three vaccinations at their COVID Clinic at 305 Wailuku Drive and at many of their outreach events. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Call 808-965-3047 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted.