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Phoenix Hopes Cash, Prizes Will Boost Employee Vaccinations

The city of Phoenix is trying to get more employees vaccinated by offering more than $20,000 in cash and prizes.

Phoenix already pays employees $75 when they submit a completed vaccine card. So far, about 43% of employees have done so.

In an email sent to about 13,500 employees Tuesday, the city announced new weekly drawings for those who are vaccinated. Prizes include $1,500 cash, $3,000 American Airlines tickets and Phoenix Suns memorabilia. 

To claim a prize, winners must agree to appear at Phoenix City Hall for a photo opportunity with the city manager. Winners will be announced citywide internally and although no information about winners’ vaccination status will be published, the Human Resources Department said, “It is reasonable, however, for others to presume that the winner has been vaccinated. Employees will be able to seek further clarification when making a decision regarding whether to accept an award.”

As of June 28, Phoenix had 2,797 total COVID-19 cases which is almost 21% of city employees. Fourteen employee deaths have been reported as COVID-19 related.

City employees are not required to report their vaccination status.

Weekly Giveaways

  • July 2, 2021: Two (2) $1,500 prizes
  • July 9, 2021: Two (2) $1,500 prizes
  • July 16, 2021: Two (2) $1,500 prizes
  • July 23, 2021: Two (2) $1,500 prizes
  • July 30, 2021: Two (2) $1,500 prizes

Grand Prize Giveaways

  • Aug. 6, 2021:

Prize 1: One (1) $3,000 prize

Prize 2: One (1) American Airlines Travel Package, which includes either two (2) first-class round trip tickets to anywhere American Airlines flies domestically, or two (2) economy round trip tickets to anywhere American Airlines flies internationally, plus $1,000.

As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.