'Get your shot': Harris County's $100 vaccine incentive program to end Sept. 30

Harris County’s $100 vaccine incentive program is slated to end on Sept. 30 and county officials have gone on record that they have no intentions of extending the plan.

The program had been previously extended, but County Judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted that those interested in the incentive program needed to take advantage of the program.

"SPREAD THE WORD: Our $100 vaccine incentive program is almost over,” Hidalgo wrote. "For real this time. *It will not be extended past Sept. 30* If you’re still not vaccinated, you have one week to step up. Get your first shot anywhere in Harris County, get $100."

The county established the program in August in hopes of persuading the vaccine-hesitant to get vaccinated.

Vaccination rates rose across the county as a result and 63.3% of the county’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 74.9% have received at least one of their two inoculations, according to county data.

Jennifer Kiger of Harris County Public Health said the program had been a great success, however, she admitted that the vaccinated numbers had diminished recently. 

“We had up to an 800% increase in individuals getting vaccinated at our vaccination sites,” Kiger said. “It has decreased a little bit, but we still see an increase in comparison to other counties within Texas of how many people are getting vaccinated and continue to get vaccinated with their first dose."

Kiger added that while there is no incentive for a second dose, they do remind people to finish their inoculation. 

“We contact individuals, remind them of their second dose appointment, and help them in any way we can to ensure that they get their second dose,” Kiger said.

The program was a success within the county that they chose to extend the program until the end of the month, after the Sept. 14 deadline expired.

Those residents who utilize the program will receive a $100 gift card after receiving their first shot.