When it comes to staying protected from COVID-19, Americans are falling woefully behind.
Less than 14% of the U.S. population ages 5 and older has received the latest version of the COVID vaccine booster shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection.
The new booster is specially formulated to fight both the original virus and omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
In an effort to encourage more Americans to roll up their sleeves, several retailers now are dangling rewards for those who get the booster.
Following are some retailers that will pay you to get the COVID-19 booster.
CVS Health
Schedule your booster at CVS, and you will get a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase at CVS.
You can use the coupon at both CVS and Longs Drugs, and you must have an ExtraCare card to get the savings. The offer is good through Dec. 22. However:
- It is not available in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York.
- It is not issued at MinuteClinic locations in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
- It is not issued and cannot be redeemed at Target or CVS Pharmacy at Schnucks locations.
Rite Aid
Get your booster at Rite Aid, and you will get a coupon good for $5 off a $25 purchase of many items at Rite Aid.
You must have a Rite Aid Rewards membership to earn your coupon.
The offer is good through Jan. 7, but is not available in New York or New Jersey.
Albertsons
Schedule your booster at an Albertsons pharmacy, and you will get a coupon good for 10% off your next grocery purchase of up to $200.
You will also receive free access to a digital vaccine record.
Safeway
Schedule a booster at Safeway, and you will get 10% off your next grocery purchase.
The offer is not available for beneficiaries of state and federal health care programs or residents of the following states:
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
Walgreens
Get your booster at Walgreens, and you will earn $5 Walgreens Cash rewards on your next in-store purchase of $1 or more.
The offer is good through Dec. 31 but is not available in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York. You must be a member of myWalgreens to take advantage of this promotion.