Health | coronavirus NJ Gov: Want a Beer? Get a Shot First Launches 'Shot and a Beer' vaccine program to encourage residents to get vaccinated By Evann Gastaldo Posted May 4, 2021 1:40 AM CDT Copied Neha Desai, a registered nurse with Atlantic Care, gives Gov. Phil Murphy his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Atlantic City Convention center, Friday, April 9, 2021 in Atlantic City , N.J. (Tim Hawk /NJ Advance Media via AP) New Jersey apparently wants its residents partying this summer—safely. As part of "Operation Jersey Summer," Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday the state is launching a "Shot and a Beer" program. "Any New Jerseyan who gets their first vaccine dose in the month of May and takes their vaccination card to a participating brewery will receive a free beer," Murphy tweeted. The state is making walk-up COVID-19 vaccine appointments available, and has also launched a program to help people go directly from religious services to vaccination sites, NBC News reports. About 37% of the state's population is fully vaccinated. Starting May 19, coronavirus-related restrictions in the state will be greatly eased, Murphy also announced Monday. "We need that push" to get more people vaccinated, a public health expert tells ABC News. "You have to find a way to motivate people. This is one way to do it." And other states appear to agree: In Connecticut, vaccinated people can get a free drink this month; in West Virginia, anyone between the ages of 16 and 35 who gets vaccinated will receive a $100 savings bond. Last month, the New York Post put out a list of companies offering freebies to those who flash their vaccine card. Read These Next Rubio says the fate of Iran's conversion facility is what matters. Some of the most explosive Diddy allegations are dropped. Fan who taunted Ketel Marte's mom has been banned by MLB. NJ lifeguard survives after being impaled by an umbrella. Report an error