Businesses in Delaware Offering Incentives for COVID-19 Vaccinations Including Acme, CVS and more

This post was originally written by Digital Content Intern Patrick LaPorte. LaPorte is a senior media communications major at the University of Delaware, working as a news and sports reporter for The Review and sports director for 91.3 WVUD at UD.

After over a year of waiting for a way to combat COVID-19, the state of Delaware is nearing its goal to get at least one shot in 70% of Delaware adults. A recent New York Times analysis estimates the first state will reach this goal within the next 14 days.

As the state nears this goal, businesses around Delaware are offering incentives for those who decide to receive a vaccine. The rewards range from discounts on groceries to Super Bowl sweepstakes.

Here are some of the businesses offering these opportunities in the surrounding Delaware area.

State of Delaware

Similar to businesses in Delaware, the state created its own program to incentivize vaccinated Delawareans. The Delaware Wins program gives any Delaware resident 18 and older that receives their first dose after May 24 and before June 29 a chance to win a number of prizes and giveaways. Each week, two eligible Delaware residents will win a cash prize of $5,000. Other prizes include tickets to Firefly, DART passes, vacationing opportunities in Delaware and free tolls in the first state.

The program also offers prizes for Delawareans vaccinated prior to the creation of the program. People already vaccinated are eligible for a final prize of $302,000 and two low-number license plates, according to the program’s website. The program is also partnering with small businesses across the state, with offers for residents who provide a vaccination card.

All children between the ages 12 and 17 also have the opportunity to win a full scholarship to a university in Delaware, as well as other prizes provided by the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Delmarva Shore Birds, Funland in Rehoboth Beach and DENREC.

ACME Markets

The supermarket is one of Albertsons Companies’ grocery chains around the country offering customers a chance to save money on groceries after receiving a vaccine. People who receive a vaccine at any Acme Pharmacy earn a 10% coupon off their next purchase of up to $200, according to a statement by Albertson’s. Patrons are allowed to walk-in or can schedule an appointment up to 15 minutes prior to the desired appointment time.

CVS Pharmacies

The national pharmacy chain is enticing people to receive a vaccine by offering a wide array of prizes and sweepstakes to enter. Nine different prizes were announced with CVS Health, Norwegian Cruise Line, Protector & Gamble, Unilever, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Hinge, IHeartMedia SmarTours and Wyndham Rewards.

According to a CVS press release, the sweepstakes began on June 1 and ends on July 10.

Notable Prizes:

• Trip for two to Los Angeles and Super Bowl 56
• 7-day cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, etc.
• $500 dollar giveaways

Major League Baseball

While there are no major league baseball teams in the first state, the four large baseball markets within a two-hour radius of Delaware allows for fans to get a chance to save some money on a ticket and get out to a ballpark. Each of the MLB’s 30 teams will host at least one vaccination event for unvaccinated fans in June to receive a free ticket to a game.

The dates and locations of each event will vary by each team, along with whether the tickets given out are valid for the team’s next game or a game at a later date.