'Free Shot, Free Beer' covid vaccine incentive offered in Shadyside

Doses of Pfizer vaccines will be offered during a festival on Walnut Street in Shadyside this weekend, and William Penn Tavern will offer free beer to anyone who gets their shot during the event.

The event called “Shadyside … The Other Art Festival on Walnut Street” will take place May 22-23 and will include more than 100 local and visiting artists. The event will be socially-distanced, outdoors and include a number of covid-19 safety measures.

Pfizer Curative will also be present, offering vaccine to festival attendees behind William Penn Tavern on Saturday, May 22. Those who get a shot will also be able to get a free beer at the tavern.

This incentive for the covid vaccine isn’t the first in Western Pennsylvania or throughout the U.S. Several national chains are offering free merchandise to patrons who brandish their vaccine cards, and local governments are also getting involved. A county in Texas handed out gift cards and bobbleheads. West Virginia is offering $100 savings bonds. Last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced statewide drawings for vaccinated individuals to win full-ride college scholarships and cash prizes.

As of Tuesday, 49% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated, and nearly 55% of the entire population has received one dose, according to the state Department of Health.