The State of North Carolina upped its game when it comes to the direct payments it’s making to those who now choose to get vaccinated for COVID-19. 

And the state even has some money for the horse that brought you – or, actually, for the driver that brought you – to get the shot.

On Tuesday, Aug. 3, as part of its ongoing effort to convince more North Carolinians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 the state is offering $100 cash cards, called “Summer Cards,” at many vaccine sites in the state. 

That’s being done, according to state officials, “to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.”

Really, though, it’s being done as a straight-up monetary bribe to get people into chairs and shots in arms.

From Wednesday, Aug. 4 through Tuesday, Aug. 31, the $100 Summer Cards are available to anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a participating site. 

The offer is good “while supplies last.”

About a half dozen sites in Guilford County are offering the deal. People can find the one closest to them using the following link: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-incentives?mc_cid=fa0083e8d3&mc_eid=01df2fc38a

In addition to the $100 Summer Card for those who get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the state is still offering $25 cash cards to those who drive others to their appointments.  At the completion of a vaccination, those drivers get a $25 card.  They get one each time they take someone to a first dose appointment.

According to information from the state regarding the program, “This helps offset the costs for those who help family, friends and neighbors find their spot for a vaccine and drive them to their shots.”

 There’s no limit on the number of times someone can drive people to a vaccination appointment, however, a driver will only get one card for each visit even if he or she brings in a truckload of people.

So far, more than 61 percent of North Carolina’s adults have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Those with questions about the $100 Summer Card and $25 Summer Card for drivers can call 888-675-4567 or get answers and find a participating location near them.