Two groups in Yakima are working together to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19 in the community even offering gift cards as an incentive. A press release says the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce are giving out $50 to $100 Visa gift cards to people who get their vaccine at one of their vaccine clinics before the end of the month. Chamber officials say the offer is available to everyone in the community while supplies last.
Jessica Camacho Chair of the Hispanic chamber says "businesses are in recovery mode. We encourage those who are getting vaccinated and receiving gift cards to use them at a local business. This program will not only help us reduce the risk of infection but it will also help us jump start the economic recovery process in our county."
The press release says if you are interested in the incentive program and want to get a Visa gift card you can find a list of clinics at cwhcc.com.
The press release says the "Washington State Department of Commerce provided funding to purchase the gift cards for this "Give A Local Business A Shot In The Arm" statewide program. This is one of several vaccine incentives programs led by the state
Officials from the Yakima Health District say "in Yakima County of individuals who are 16 years and older, 54.83% have initiated vaccination and 46.97% have been fully vaccinated."

If you aren't interested in an incentive and just want the vaccine it's available in Yakima. Despite many others closing around Eastern and Central Washington the Community Vaccination Center site at Yakima's State Fair Park remains open until further notice.  A press release from the Yakima Health District says "equity has been the key to a successful immunization campaign that will get our communities back to normal."

Some other vaccination centers in areas like King and Benton Counties closed weeks ago because of a lack of people not showing up for scheduled appointments.

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