Judge Hidalgo announces expansion of $100 COVID-19 vaccination incentive program

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the expansion of the county’s $100 COVID-19 vaccination incentive program during a media briefing Thursday afternoon.

Hidalgo thanked all the people who’ve been vaccinated in the county so far and said numbers are increasing since she announced that anyone who gets their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through Harris County Public Health will receive a $100 cash card per person.

READ: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announces new $100 COVID-19 vaccine incentive initiative

Just this past Tuesday, Hidalgo said the Harris County Public Health has vaccinated more than 3,400 people in one day. She said this is a 706% increase to the daily vaccination rates before the vaccination initiative.

“The work is not done, we still have a ways to go,” she said.

Hidalgo said only 70% of the eligible population have received their first dose of the vaccine and 58% of the population haven’t received the first dose.

She said the county is expanding the program to make it easier for residents to get the $100 for receiving the vaccine at any facility in Harris County by checking in with ReadyHarris.org. Hidalgo said residents can claim the $100 regardless of providers, such as pharmacy or doctor.

She asked for residents to visit the site to submit their claim for the 100 cash card or virtual card. Those who apply will be asked for their name, email, phone number and the place they received the vaccine.

Those who would like to participate in the initiative will have until Aug. 31 to get their first vaccine to receive the money.

Officials said if a resident already received a cash incentive through either HCPH or HHD, they would not qualify. A verification team will verify their information through Immtrac and will disqualify anyone that doesn’t meet the requirements.

Here is the full press conference from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo: