To drive COVID-19 vaccination among the youth, Washington, D.C. announced it was giving away free AirPods and other gifts, including $25 thousand in scholarship, iPads, and headphones. The announcement comes as the Delta variant drives new surges across the U.S. and elsewhere. Experts say that the spread of the Delta variant, the now dominant variant in many places is driven by unvaccinated population groups, misinformation on vaccine safety, and easing of mask mandates.
Government incentives, gifts, product giveaways, and lotteries have already been used to increase vaccination rates and reach herd immunity in the US as it fights the spread of variants. The state of Ohio previously announced the Vax-a-Million lottery, West Virginia announced drawings for prizes which ranged from college scholarships to pick up trucks and cash, Minnesota gave out state park passes and fishing licenses, while Arkansas gave away $20 lottery scratch-offs. New York also joined in with a wide range of offers from $100 prepaid debit cards, to New York City Football Club tickets, free city rides, discounts, and up to $20,000 for every organization collecting referrals. Food, beer, cash, free Uber and Lyft rides for anyone going to take a shot, and Super Bowl Tickets, have all also been included in various COVID-19 vaccination incentives. However, this might be the first time that AirPods are being given away in exchange for a dose.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced on Twitter that the city would give away AirPods, gift cards, and thousands of dollars in scholarship money as incentives to get more adolescents and teens vaccinated. DC youth aged from 12 to 17 and from 18 to 21 pursuing high school diplomas have from August 7 to September 30 to get their first shot and claim their free Airpods. Those interested must meet some requirements, however. For example, the shot has to be their first shot and it must be taken at one of three DC Youth vaccine giveaway sites, Johnsons, Sousa, or Brookland. Those getting the shot can choose between the AirPods or a $50 gift card, and AirPods are while supplies last. It's also worth mentioning that teens are being urged not to promote personal information on social media during the vaccine campaign.
As no DC youth can attend their first vaccination alone, the Mayor announced rewards for parents taking their kids as well. Up to one parent or one legal guardian will get a $51 Visa gift card for every young person they take to get their first shot. Students must also present their school ID, DC One Card, Kids Ride Free card, report card, or proof of enrollment. All those attending will be inscribed in giveaways for iPads, headphones, and $25,000 in scholarship with weekly draws starting August 30.
Why Airpods, Why Only Under 21?
CDC data shows that the August spike in cases reached levels not seen since last January, with more than 124,900 daily cases on August 6, the community transmission is set to High, and those vaccinated aged 65 or older amount to 80-percent of the population while those vaccinated aged 12 or older amount to just 51-percent. Eased mask mandates and restrictions combined with the delta variant, misinformation on vaccines safety and low vaccination rates have triggered a Delta nightmare hospitalizing children in great numbers in Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Vaccinating the young has become a priority for the federal government as schools in the US install “optional mask” mandates despite the CDC once again urging the population to wear masks.
Washington, D.C. is hoping the AirPods campaign will attract the young, one of the least vaccinated population groups. AirPods have become very popular among teens and often top the buying wish list of many. AirPods also fit into the concept of a trending wearable device with wireless features, easy pairing, and Apple status. All of which would seem to make AirPods a useful way to reward the young for stepping up for their health, that of their families, and of their communities.
Source: Mayor Bowser/Twitter, CDC