Black Hills residents have a chance to earn a $100 gift card for getting a COVID vaccine and $50 for a booster shot.
The Vax to the Max Black Hills community challenge hopes to incentivize more people to get vaccinated.
The Black Hills Area Community Foundationreceived a $16,000 donation from Dr. Roger and Janice Knutsen to purchase the gift cards.
Chris Huber is the donor relations manger for the foundation.
“The great thing about Vax to the Max is you can get vaccinated anywhere," he said. "You can go to your local pharmacy, go to Monument Health, or your local physician. Get your vaccination and then bring your vaccination card to either the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, the Custer Public Library or the Sturgis Public Library, and we'll give you a gift card.”
Individuals who receive their first shot or booster shot after Feb. 1 of this year are eligible. Gift cards will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
Huber said a similar initiative last year was a success.
“So we did a one-day vaccination drive in September," Huber said. "That time we gave out $100 gift cards and we had 100 people take us up on that.”
57 percent of eligible South Dakotans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That number has changed little in recent weeks.
Health officials say vaccines are safe and the most effective way to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus.
