Chipotle has a COVID vaccine incentive July 6: Buy-one-get-one free burritos, tacos and more

• Chipotle Mexican Grill is the latest business to offer an incentive for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Chipotle's July 6 promotion is in-restaurant only and not available online or the mobile app.
• Panera Bread will give away free bagels to vaccinated customers July 2-4.

Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts, free bagels at Panera Bread and now buy-one-get-one free Chipotle burritos.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is the latest business to offer an incentive for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The fast-casual chain said Wednesday it will offer free entrees July 6 from 3 p.m. to closing time at participating restaurants nationwide with the purchase of an entree.

“As a proud participant in the National Month of Action for Vaccinations, we are encouraging our fans to give their friends free Chipotle as a craveable reward for getting vaccinated,” Chris Brandt, the chain’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement.

But showing proof of vaccination isn't needed to get the free meal, Chipotle confirmed to USA TODAY. To get the deal, tell the cashier “Friends BOGO” at checkout.

► Free Panera bagels:Panera Bread to give away free bagels for vaccinated customers July 2-4. Here's how the COVID freebie works

► Free beer!:Cheers to COVID-19 vaccination progress: Anheuser-Busch giving away free beer over July 4th holiday

According to the fine print, there’s a limit of two free items per customer and each free item requires a purchase. This promotion is for in-restaurant orders only and is not valid for online or mobile app orders.

There’s an additional cost for guacamole, queso blanco, extra protein and other premium add-ons.

COVID-19 vaccine goal

Chipotle's giveaway comes as authorities are looking for ways to convince vaccination holdouts to take the plunge. Advocates say incentives can help some people overcome their hesitancy.

President Joe Biden had set a goal of getting 70% of Americans at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 by the Fourth of July. June was dubbed as a National Month of Action to “mobilize an all-of-America sprint” to get more people vaccinated by Independence Day.

The White House conceded last week that it would fall short of that goal, although it said some age groups will hit the target. 

Free beer, bagels and prizes

Anheuser-Busch had said in early June that if the White House reached its goal of getting 70% of American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4, it would give away a complimentary brew to adults over 21. 

The beer maker said Wednesday it is keeping its word and giving away free beer Friday through Monday, even though the country fell just short of that goal.

Panera Bread has a three-day bagel giveaway – from July 2-4 – for vaccinated customers at participating locations nationwide. No purchase is required.

Walgreens extended its $25 giveaway for new COVID-19 vaccine recipients through July 3 and both CVS Health and Kroger have vaccine sweepstakes running through July 10. 

Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts daily to those who show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card through the end of the year.

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Contributing: Nathan Bomey, Mike Snider, Michael Collins and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For more shopping tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.