New Bedford residents 65 and over will receive $20 Dunkin’ gift card with vaccine

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New Bedford residents 65 and over who receive their COVID-19 vaccination at specified clinic sites in the city will receive a $20 Dunkin’ gift card with their first dose beginning Wednesday, May 19, Mayor Jon Mitchell announced Friday.

While most of New Bedford’s seniors are vaccinated, the average vaccination rate for those 65 and up is lower than the state average. Dunkin’ gift cards will now be offered to any New Bedford resident age 65 and over who receive their vaccines at the walk-up FEMA-run clinic at the Waterfront Vaccination Center on Hervey Tichon Avenue, or at the New Bedford Health Department-operated clinics – including Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, New Bedford Health Department mobile clinics, and homebound vaccination appointments run by the Health Department and EMS. Gift cards will be distributed on-site for first doses, beginning Wednesday, May 19.

The Waterfront Vaccination Center operated by FEMA runs weekly from Saturday through Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and no appointment is needed.

The Health Department will offer two walk-up clinics at Market Basket, 122 Sawyer Street, on Thursday, May 20 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday, May 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.

The Health Department also operates an appointment-based clinic at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, including next Wednesday, May 19; at-home vaccinations by appointment are also available to the homebound via New Bedford EMS. To sign up for these clinics, residents may call 508-984-2661.

The Dunkin’ gift cards are currently limited to New Bedford residents who are 65 years old and above, and will be provided at the clinics to residents receiving their first dose. The City will purchase the gift cards from New Bedford-based Dunkin’ franchise owners.

“Although we continue to learn more about COVID-19 all the time, there is no doubt that seniors are at far greater risk of serious illness from the disease than younger adults,” said Mayor Mitchell. “If this modest incentive ends up saving lives by convincing more seniors to get vaccinated, it’ll have been worth every penny.”

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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