As NYC Passes 4M First Doses, More Vaccine Incentives On The Way

NEW YORK CITY — More than 4 million first doses of coronavirus vaccine have now gone into New Yorkers' arms.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday announced the milestone and said it's a good sign for the wider vaccination effort.

"Why is that important?" he said. "Because in New York City, the latest information is that over 95 percent of New Yorkers who get a first dose come back and get a second dose. Passing this 4 million mark means we continue to surge forward toward our goal."

Half of New York City's eligible residents are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to city health data.

But the number is still far below the level experts say will bestow herd immunity — the point when enough people are vaccinated that they provide protection to the unvaccinated — and officials have increasingly looked toward incentives to boast the level.

De Blasio said such a perk will be offered at a vaccination site that opened Thursday at Brooklyn Children's Museum.

"You can get a free same-day admission to the museum right then and there, and a family pass — a family pass for your next visit," he said.

An identical deal will be offered starting Friday at Bronx Zoo, de Blasio said. And New York Aquarium will have the same prize "soon," he said.

The literal biggest cultural institution vaccination giveaway is still at the American Museum of Natural History — people can get vaccinated under its iconic blue whale and receive free admission.

De Blasio said the city wants to encourage entire families to get vaccinated together now that New Yorkers who are between 12 and 15 can get shots. A chance to get vaccinated under the blue whale could prove enticing for youngsters, he said.

"I think a lot of young people are going to love the idea of getting vaccinated there below the whale," he said. "It’s something they’ll be able to talk about for the rest of their lives, something positive, something fun. So, parents, whether you want to go to the natural history museum, Coney Island, Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Children's Museum, and more coming, this is a great way to make vaccination even more fun, make it something for the whole family, make the whole family safe."

Not to be outdone, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that New Yorkers who get shots at state-run mass vaccination sites next week will receive lottery tickets with anup to $5 million prize.