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Publix will give employees $125 gift card if they get the COVID-19 vaccine

The Florida grocer joins others in creating a vaccine incentive, but most Florida retail workers are still ineligible for the vaccine.
 
A Publix grocery worker collects shopping carts in the parking lot of the Publix store at 1075 Pasadena Avenue South, South Pasadena, Friday, April 17, 2020. Workers who receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will get a $125 gift card.
A Publix grocery worker collects shopping carts in the parking lot of the Publix store at 1075 Pasadena Avenue South, South Pasadena, Friday, April 17, 2020. Workers who receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will get a $125 gift card. [ SCOTT KEELER | Times ]
Published Feb. 19, 2021

Publix says it will give employees a $125 store gift card if they get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine — although most of the Lakeland chain’s Florida employees are not yet eligible to receive the shots.

Florida is only allowing those 65 and older to get the vaccine at retail pharmacies.

Publix, which was the first retailer to partner with state to distribute the Moderna vaccine, says employees have to fill out an internal form and provide proof of vaccination to get the gift card. Other retailers had already announced similar incentives to encourage their workforces to get vaccinated.

“We care about our associates and customers and believe getting vaccinated can help us take one step closer to getting back to normal,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “We’re encouraging our associates to get vaccinated when they become eligible and doses are available.”

Publix says employees do not have to receive their vaccination from a Publix pharmacy to receive the gift card.

On Jan. 19, Aldi announced it would pay their employees for four hours of work if they got the COVID-19 vaccines. The retailer said it created the program so employees would not have to worry about losing pay as they scheduled time to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Trader Joe’s and Dollar General announced similar programs.

Target announced this month it would also offer four hours of pay to cover both doses as well as cover a Lyft ride to and from the vaccine site.

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