Cash For Jabs: New Rochelle Launches Vaxx Referral Reward Program

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Convincing others to get vaccinated agains the coronavirus could mean extra spending money for those who refer others to one New Rochelle clinic.

New Rochelle announced the kickoff of the new “Vaccine Referral Rewards” program this week. The program is intended to encourage residents to refer their family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and others in their network to get the COVID-19 vaccine shot, according to organizers. Participants win a $100 Visa gift card for every three people that they refer who successfully complete their vaccinations at Narayan Pharmacy in the city.

"Encouragement from a friend, colleague, or neighbor can be far more persuasive than an official public message," New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said in a statement announcing the unique initiative. "Through this innovative program, we will enlist trusted spokespersons throughout our community to promote public health, save lives, and achieve a full recovery from the COVID pandemic."

Currently, more than 70 percent of New Rochelleans eligible for the vaccine have received at least one dose. The goal of the vaccine referral rewards program is for New Rochelle residents to encourage their entire social circle to get protected, city officials said.

Narayan Pharmacy is the pilot site for the vaccine referral rewards program. Each person aged twelve and older who completes their initial vaccination series at Narayan Pharmacy will be able to fill out a vaccine referral card, indicating who encouraged them to get the vaccine.

“As an independent, community-centric pharmacy in New Rochelle, our primary goal is to serve the community and help everyone stay healthy," a spokesperson for Narayan Pharmacy said. "Therefore, we are honored to partner with the City of New Rochelle and RXR to play our part in reaching that goal.”

The vaccine referral rewards incentives are provided with support of the RXR Realty New Rochelle Building Community Fund.

"Once the epicenter of COVID-19 pandemic, New Rochelle continues to make significant progress in its recovery thanks to steady leadership from the city," RXR Realty VP Joseph Graziose said. "The vaccine is our pathway towards creating a stronger and healthier community. We’re proud to partner with the City of New Rochelle in helping to keep New Rochelle residents healthy and safe."

The program will run through December 31, 2021 or until supplies last.

Vaccines for ages 12 and up are available at Narayan Pharmacy at 175 Memorial Hwy. Vaccines are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.