NJ Gov Offers ‘Shot and a Beer’ Program To Encourage Vaccinations

New Jersey has launched its new "Shot and a Beer" program as a way of encouraging Garden State residents 21 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced the effort during a news conference Monday. Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) announces the “Shot and a Beer” program to encourage eligible residents ages 21+ to get vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/v2itOQoF3I

— The Recount (@therecount) May 3, 2021 The governor also tweeted his support of the effort. NEW: We’re launching our “Shot and a Beer” program to encourage eligible New Jerseyans ages 21+ to get vaccinated.

Any New Jerseyan who gets their first vaccine dose in the month of May and takes their vaccination card to a participating brewery will receive a free beer. ? pic.twitter.com/REiHTEa6mi — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 3, 2021 But many on Twitter mocked the program. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME

— Rick Rivers the Third, esq (@rickyriv99) May 3, 2021 If I get a DUI will you pardon me?

— Mark Ruberto (@MRubie91) May 3, 2021 We are adults, we should not need free alcohol to get a shot.

— Sean Aka SLUDDY14 TL 50 (@PokeGoFan1979) May 3, 2021 The program is part of the state’s “Operation Jersey Summer” effort to make sure people know about the accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccines . At least 13 breweries are participating, according to WPIX-TV . The effort allows any New Jersey resident old enough to legally drink who receives their first vaccine dose this month the ability to present a vaccination card at a participating brewery for a free beer, according to CBS News . As of Monday, 8,769,895 vaccine doses had been delivered to New Jersey, and 84 percent of those -- or 7,430,120 doses -- had been administered, according to USA Facts . [firefly_poll] More than 4.6 million New Jersey residents, representing 52 percent of the population, have gotten at least one shot . Other states have launched their own initiatives to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Connecticut is launching a #CTDrinksOnUs campaign, "through which vaccine recipients will be eligible for one free drink with the purchase of food between May 19 and 31 at participating locations," according to The Hill . West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice announced "everyone between the ages of 16 and 35 would be given a $100 savings bond if they got vaccinated," according to the Daily Caller . In Texas, Harris County approved the use of up to $250,000 to spend on incentives offered to residents for getting vaccinated, according to the Houston Chronicle .

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .