A Bucks County-based business is offering the antidote to those worried about getting vaccinated.
As the county ramps up efforts to get more citizens vaccinated against COVID-19, the Bucks County Commissioners announced a $30,000 partnership with Rita’s Italian Ice to sweeten the deal for those getting vaccinated.
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The company, which has more than 600 locations, is headquartered in Bensalem Township. Rita’s Italian Ice is donating the vouchers, officials announced Thursday outside the Neshaminy Mall.
“Now there is no excuse for not getting your COVID vaccine,” said Commissioners’ Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia said. “We are so honored to be able to partner with Rita’s and offer everyone who comes in to get a vaccine a free Rita’s coupon.”
As of Thursday, Bucks County has 91,177 people with their first dose and 222,264 fully vaccinated. The number is equivalent to roughly 60 percent of the vaccine-eligible population in the county.
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“We are above the average in terms of people getting first shots, we are above the average in terms of vaccinated adults here,” said Commissioner Bob Harvie. “And over the past few weeks we’ve seen a lot of teenagers coming in, once they were cleared to get the Pfizer vaccine.”
New COVID-19 infections have dropped to levels not seen since before Halloween. Earlier this week, Bucks County Health Director Dr. David Damsker said all but one person in local hospitals with COVID-19 was not vaccinated.
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As COVID-19 vaccine demand lowers, county officials are working to get shots in arms of people who are hesitant or haven’t yet had a chance.
“We want to bring everyone in, especially the younger people who may think they don’t need it,” Damsker said. “We’ve already done more than 5,000 doses for Bucks County kids ages 12 to 15. So the word is getting out to that population, but we want to get it to everyone who hasn’t had it yet.”
“It’s the right thing to do, to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo. “You protect yourself, you protect your family members, you protect your co-workers, you protect your friends … It’s going to protect all of us.”
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In addition to its mass vaccination clinics, the county plans to increase its messaging on vaccines, staff vaccine education tables, and set up pop-up vaccination clinics at popular community events.
During Thursday’s press conference, Damsker used an oversized toy syringe on the arm of the Rita’s Italian Ice mascot, known as as Ice Man.
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Damsker said he thought the Rita’s Italian Ice partnership was a good way to get people vaccinated.
“Anything we can do to get people in here is a good idea,” he said.
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