Orlando rolls out COVID-19 vaccine incentives for employees, residents

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is rolling out incentives for employees and residents who get the COVID-19 vaccine.

People who get vaccinated at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center mobile vaccine site can enter a raffle for prizes.

The city is also offering cash and other perks to employees who prove they are vaccinated.

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Dyer made stops in the community on Thursday, including at the Orlando Museum of Arts and the Dr. James. R. Smith Neighborhood Center mobile vaccine center to spread his message.

“If we can get the vast majority of our population vaccinated, then we can go back pretty much to normal,” Dyer said.

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The city of Orlando said full-time employees who prove that they are fully vaccinated by the end of October will receive $150. Part-time employees will receive $75 for showing proof of vaccination. Employees must upload their CDC card to Workday by Nov. 5, 2021.

The city said it will also hold weekly drawings of cash, tickets, and other financial benefits of up to $1,000 for its employees.

The employees will also receive extra paid COVID-19 leave.

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Dyer said he hopes the incentives help get shots into more arms.

“Last year, we were all praying that the scientists would come up with a vaccine, and they did and it’s like a life preserver,” he said. “So let’s hold on to it.”

Additionally, the city is holding vaccination raffles for residents at the following locations: