Across the country, government officials are looking for innovative ways to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In Erie County, New York, home to Buffalo, they launched a new program that combines COVID-19 vaccines with free beer. Rightfully so, they call it “Shot and a Chaser”.

The first Shot and Chaser pop-up clinic will take place on May 8 at Resurgence Brewing Co. in South Buffalo. Participants can get their first dose of the Moderna vaccine in the parking lot, then head to the brewery for a drink of their choice. At Resurgence, they can choose from beers like Cosmic Truth or McKinley’s Revenge. There will be 300 spaces available for registration. And, after that first shot and that beer, people can come back four weeks later for their second shot and their second beer.

“We understand our constituents. We know, especially with our younger constituents, that they need a little bit of a push, ”says the Erie County Manager. Mark Poloncarz.

For the county, which advertised its program on social media with a picture of Homer Simpson “MMM… BEER,” it’s a way to help local businesses and keep citizens healthy.

“We believe we can support our local brewers, who had a difficult year last year, as well as get people vaccinated,” says Poloncarz.

Erie County isn’t the first to offer a vaccine bonus, as companies and brands across the country are offering everything from free Krispy Kreme donuts and Samuel Adams beer to marijuana edibles and stratification of vaccination cards.

“We just saw that the state of West Virginia is making a $ 100 savings bond,” Poloncarz says. “Good for them.”

The county also registered Flying Bison Brewing Company for a vaccine pop-up, but no date has been set. Poloncarz says they are looking for more breweries to participate in a program that is perfectly suited to the region.

“It’s Buffalo. We love our beer.

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