COLUMBUS, Ohio — There’s a new vaccine incentive program in Columbus and health officials say it’s already producing results.

What You Need To Know

  • Columbus Public Health’s “Vax Cash” vaccine incentive program started on Tuesday

  • Franklin County residents who still need their first COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for  a $100 gift card

  • The incentive comes as concerns over new COVID-19 variants rise

Columbus Public Health’s “Vax Cash” program started on Tuesday. 

“The first day, we had double the number of people who showed up for the vaccine compared to previous Tuesdays,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. 

On Wednesday, she said the city had almost five times the number of people show up to get vaccinated compared to a typical Wednesday. 

Franklin County residents who still need their first COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for "Vax Cash," a $100 gift card. The incentive comes as concerns over new COVID-19 variants rise. 

“The Delta variant, which is a severe variant, probably the most severe variant we’ve seen so far this pandemic, has arrived in Ohio and in Franklin County,” Roberts said.

Ciera Farley got her “Vax Cash” this week.

She said she drove to two vaccine sites Thursday. 

“Everywhere else there were lines,” said Farley.

She said she did not know about the “Vax Cash” incentive, but her husband did. Both got vaccinated at the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio. 

“It (“Vax Cash”) gives people a boost to go and actually get it done because a lot of people don’t want to do it. That will give people the extra push,” said Farley. 

“Vax Cash” is being offered at the Columbus Public Health walk-in clinic and at two other sites that rotate each day.

It’s being offered from noon - 7 p.m Monday through Friday until supplies last or until Aug. 16.​