Gov. Laura Kelly said the state was collaborating with Dillons grocery stores in 12 counties to provide incentives of up to $100 for people to get vaccinated for COVID-19. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and the Dillons grocery store chain Tuesday launched a new COVID-19 vaccination incentive program delivering $50 per dose or a total of $100 for individuals 12 years or older who volunteer to accept shots.
The pilot project is financed with immunization funding allocated to Kansas through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People receiving vaccinations at Dillons Health pharmacies will be eligible for the monetary incentive. Participating pharmacies operated by Dillons are located in a dozen counties. The list includes three stores in Salina, two stores in Garden City, Manhattan and Hays, and single stores in Great Bend, Dodge City, McPherson, Pratt, Liberal, Wellington and Colby.
“Since day one of this pandemic, Dillons’ most urgent priority has been the health and safety of our associates, customers, and communities,” said Steve Dreher, Dillons division president. “Together, with Governor Kelly, we are pleased to extend this incentive as a means to inspire more individuals to get vaccinated and help our Kansas communities move forward.”
Kansans who receive vaccinations at one of the designated 16 store locations will receive a form and a pre-stamped envelope after each dose. Once the Kansas Department of Health and Environment receives the completed form, a $50 Visa gift card will be mailed to the address provided by the vaccinated individual.
The vaccinations are provided to Kansans at no cost. If a recipient has health insurance, the card should be presented at the time of vaccination.
Kelly said convincing eligible Kansans to be vaccinated for COVID-19 was pivotal to slowing spread of the virus, protecting businesses and keeping children in school.
“This incentive program is another tool to support our ongoing vaccine efforts. I want to thank Dillons officials for their partnership and their commitment to the communities they serve,” the Democratic governor said.
House Speaker Ron Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, said on social media Kansans should gather information about COVID-19 as they determine whether to accept vaccination. He said many hospitalized Kansans with COVID-19 declined to get shots.
“The data shows the vast majority of patients hospitalized and with COVID are unvaccinated,” said Ryckman, who contracted the virus in 2020.
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