Incentives encourage vaccination

Del Mar offers gift cards worth $200 for students who get COVID-19 vaccine

Del Mar has announced an incentive program aimed at getting students, faculty and staff vaccinated.

The Viking Two-Step program is an effort to encourage students and employees at DMC to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by becoming fully vaccinated, said Michael Bratten, communication manager for Del Mars College Relations Office. The program also encourages mask wearing.

“Those who voluntarily participate in the incentive program can receive a $200 H-E-B gift card if you’re a student and a $200 incentive payment if you’re an employee,” Bratten said.

Bratten said about 228 positive COVID cases have been logged on DMC’s online dashboard since its launch in August 2020.

Elementary education major Megan Brest said the incentive program would make her more likely to get the vaccine.

“This vaccine incentive program would make me want to get the vaccine, mainly because of the $200 gift card to help with necessities and other things,” Brest said.

The program is being funded with federal COVID relief funds provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, according to the college.

While no vaccine clinics are scheduled on campus, several free clinics are planned in Nueces County.

Participants must be fully vaccinated to be eligible for the incentive. A vaccination card showing two Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations or one single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccination is required.

“Student submissions will be accepted through Dec.10 or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first,” Bratten said. “Employee submissions will be accepted through Dec. 3 or until funds are also depleted.”

Submissions can be made through a link at www.delmar.edu.

For more information about the vaccine incentive program for students call 361-698-1993 or go to the Harvin Student Center, Room 204, on the Heritage Campus. Employees can call Human Resources at 361-698-1133. 

For additional local resources on COVID-19 and locations and times for drive-thru vaccinations, visit www.nuecesknows.com.

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