Virtual Incentives has highlighted delays in delivering rewards from government vaccination programs, using Oneida County, New York, as an example. In a January 18, 2022 article, the company argued that large incentive schemes needed clearer and faster distribution processes.

The article cites County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. as saying that more than 50,000 gift cards had been issued for vaccinations and booster shots during the July 15–December 31, 2021 program period. Participants could use a $100 electronic reward at 80 local businesses and organizations or request a physical gift card.

Virtual Incentives reported that delivery delays generated enough inquiries to overwhelm the county’s COVID-19 hotline. Residents who had supplied a mobile number or email address were to receive status updates, while officials warned that the process could take months.

The company also described administrative difficulties in other state programs and recommended digital registration, payment tracking and delivery options. It promoted its API as a way to connect eligibility records with reward distribution and recipient feedback.

Virtual Incentives’ recommendation was to make the timing and claiming process clear to participants and reduce dependence on manual fulfillment. The article presents Oneida County’s experience as an operational example; it does not identify the county as a customer of Virtual Incentives.