NYC Starts COVID Vaccine Incentives As City Passes 7M Shots Given

NEW YORK CITY — A free visit to the Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and other popular spots could be a package deal with a coronavirus vaccine shot.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced the city will start offering incentives to New Yorkers who get vaccinated.

"You’re going to hear about these exciting incentives and more over the coming days," he said.

The incentives aim to push New York City ever higher on vaccinations. De Blasio, at the same briefing, unveiled the city recently surpassed 7 million vaccine doses into New Yorkers' arms.

The milestone represents more doses given in the city than there are people in Massachusetts, de Blasio said.

But de Blasio acknowledged vaccine supply in the city has finally outpaced demand.

Shots have slowed by more than half since the city's vaccination peak. The slowdown prompted de Blasio and other officials to consider offering incentives, even up to directly paying New Yorkers, to get vaccinated.

De Blasio said payments aren't in the cards yet. He also dismissed the idea that further restrictions or other actions against unvaccinated New Yorkers could be an approach that works.

The city's approach, at least for now, will be bringing the vaccine to more New Yorkers and give them reason to roll up their sleeves, he said.

"You’ve got to make it easier, you’ve got to make it more fun, you’ve got to make it more local,” he said.

The incentives offer free tickets and deals for:

• NYC Aquarium
• NY Botanical Garden
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Bronx Zoo
• Public Theater membership
• Lincoln Center
• Brooklyn Cyclones
• New York City Football Club
• NYC Ferry