Some businesses using ‘vaccine incentives’ to help keep cases down

Brianno’s Deli Italia in Eagan is hoping to do their part in encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.

And so came the creative idea for the Vaccine Incentive Program or "VIP" as it’s affectionately called. For customers, it’s 10% off with proof of vaccination. And for employees, it’s a $100 bonus if they’d like to participate.

Owner George Maverick says he’s opening financial perks will encourage participation and keep the infection rates down.

"We’ve been largely shut down for a year, and we’ve been waiting for the vaccine so that we can take the masks off and socialize and be normal again. It’s a big deal. I’m excited. Every vaccine gets closer to normal. And I want to do my part to get there, faster," said Maverick.

They’re not the only business hoping to promote the COVID-19 vaccine. Krispy Kreme, Trader Joe’s, American Airlines and Instacart are some of the others offering incentives for customers, or employees.

A few dozen customers have already taken up on the Eagan deli’s offer. As well as five of the 14 employees.

"The more of us who do, the faster we are going to be able to open and having a real-life or getting as close to it as we can," said Chris Medin, a customer.

The federal government even allocated $1 billion from "The American Rescue Plan" to go towards helping the CDC promote "vaccine confidence, information, and education" to get more members of the public to buy in on getting the shot.

Maverick says he plans on running his VIP program through the end of April.