The city is now giving the cards to anyone who gets a shot at a city-run site, and as of 10:30 a.m., more than 450 New Yorkers had collected.
Just days after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the incentive, President Joe Biden is making a similar push.
He said Thursday he will provide states federal funding to pay $100 for vaccinations, and Biden is also requiring 4 million federal workers either provide proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing.
Meantime, one of the Big Apple's best-known restaurateurs is now requiring vaccines for both diners and workers.
Danny Meyer runs the Union Square Hospitality Group.
His restaurants, which include Gramercy Tavern, are just beginning to recover from the pandemic.
Meyer announced all of his employees will have to be vaccinated by September 7, or they'll be out of work.
"When we know that we care deeply about hygiene in every other respect of our restaurants, and we know so much about the science of what's happening with the delta variant, especially for people who have not been vaccinated, why in the world would we just stand by and not take action right now?" Meyer said.
De Blasio is encouraging more private businesses to follow Meyer's lead.
Regarding mask policy, the mayor said the city will update its guidance on face masks for businesses on Monday.
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