COLUMBUS, Ohio — Officials with Columbus Public Health said they are seeing a surge of COVID-19 vaccinations with its newest incentive to get people in hard-to-reach neighborhoods vaccinated.
The Vax Cash Program allows neighbors to receive a $100 Visa gift card for getting their vaccine dose at one of CPH's 10 new neighborhood satellite clinics.
According to a release, the health department has seen a 288% increase in vaccinations during the first week of the program and a 52% increase the second week.
CPH says there was a 22% increase in the third and fourth weeks.
Gov. Mike DeWine said the latest data shows 60% of Ohioans 18 and older have received at least one shot of the vaccine. Also, 58% of all eligible Ohioans, those 12 and older, are either fully or partially vaccinated.
Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts said 55% of patients who have been vaccinated are people of color, and 52% are younger than 39 years old.
The cash incentive will be offered from noon – 7 p.m. through Aug. 16, and appointments are not needed. Neighbors can receive a vaccine at these participating clinics:
Mondays:
• Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave.
• William H. Adams Community Center, 854 Alton Ave.
Tuesdays:
• Far East Community Center, 1826 Lattimer Drive
• Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, 4099 Karl Road
Wednesdays:
• Barack Community Center, 580 E. Woodrow Ave.
• Somali Community Association of Ohio, 3422 Cleveland Ave.
Thursdays:
• Sullivant Gardens Community Center, 755 Renick St.
• Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio, 4646 Tamarack Blvd.
Fridays:
• Westgate Community Center, 455 S. Westgate Ave.
• St. Stephen the Martyr Church, 4131 Clime Road