Governor Cuomo Announces Crossgates Mall Mass Vaccination Site Vaccine Incentives

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that participating stores and tenants of Crossgates Mall in Albany will begin offering discounts and special offers to individuals who have been vaccinated at their mass vaccination site in an effort to incentivize New Yorkers to receive their COVID vaccine. Formerly located at the SUNY Albany campus, the mass vaccination site now located at Crossgates Mall site has administered over 200,000 vaccinations since opening in January.

"As New York State continues to reopen, it is more critical than ever that all eligible New Yorkers roll up their sleeves and receive the COVID vaccine," Governor Cuomo said. "I applaud the stores at Crossgates for their participation in this effort and promoting the safety and importance of the vaccine. The light at the end of the tunnel has never been brighter and it is incentives such as these that will undoubtedly help us reach our vaccination goals."

Individuals vaccinated at Crossgates Mall, marked "Albany Xgates" on their vaccine cards, can scan a QR code directing guests to the landing page of the Crossgates website with a list of participating stores and special offers. The discount page will be updated daily to include shops, restaurants, eateries and entertainment venues.

CEO of Pyramid Management Group Stephen Congel said, "Crossgates is proud to provide our community with this easily accessible location for New York's important vaccine program. We recognize how important the State's vaccine program is in moving New York forward. And it's exciting to see our stores, restaurants and entertainment venues recognize this, as well, by showing their appreciation with incentives for those who advance that mission by getting vaccinated."

The Governor announced on April 27, that beginning April 29 all state mass vaccination sites are open for walk-in appointments, a continuation of efforts to make it easier for New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Walk-in appointments are currently reserved for first doses only or single-shot doses of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine, dependent on availability and location. Additionally, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments and eliminate other barriers for vaccinations for eligible New Yorkers.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available to update New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The New York State Department of Health requires vaccinating facilities to report all COVID-19 vaccine administration data within 24 hours; the vaccine administration data on the dashboard is updated daily to reflect the most up-to-date metrics in the state's vaccination effort.

New Yorkers who suspect fraud in the vaccine distribution process can now call 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) toll-free or email the state Department of Health at [email protected]. Hotline staff will route complaints to the appropriate investigative agencies to ensure New Yorkers are not being taken advantage of as the State works to vaccinate the entire eligible population.