News

June 2021

$100 for vaccinations: Columbus City Council approves new program, but says it’s not an incentive

Courtesy of WHIO TV
June 15, 2021

COLUMBUS — The Columbus City Council voted in favor of the new “Vaccine Green Program” Monday night, which includes payments of $100 for city residents who receive the COVID-19 shot after Monday.

Funding would come from a $275,000 grant, which means 2,750 residents could receive these payments.

Stephanie Hightower, president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League, insists this is not an incentive however, like Vax-a-Million and other efforts.

“If it is really easy for you to get the vaccine, if you’ve done so already, congratulations, your reward is that you are now vaccinated from this terrible illness. If there are other barriers in your way that have prevented you from getting the vaccine, that’s what we’re trying to target,” she told our news partners at 10-TV.

Hightower explains that the money is meant to cover costs for those who cannot afford to take off work for an appointment, or who do not have access to transportation.

Eligible recipients can receive a $50 payment per dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or a one-time $100 payment for a single dose of Johnson and Johnson.