The University of Alabama has doubled its cash incentive for any enrolled student for the upcoming fall semester who gets the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a Monday news release, The University said that any student who provides proof of their vaccination will receive $40 in Bama Cash, a UA-specific debit card that can be used to make purchases at more than 100 locations both on and off campus.

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In order to receive the $40 reward, students must upload proof of vaccination online before Saturday, August 28 at 5 p.m. The University offered its first Bama Cash incentive of $20 in early July in an attempt to better protect its incoming student body.

"I strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19," UA President Stuart Bell wrote regarding the first incentive. "We must do all we can to stay healthy, care for others and ensure that a robust Alabama experience is possible for everyone this fall."

UA announced just last week it will temporarily reinstate its indoor mask requirement for at least the first two weeks of the upcoming semester as a way to further mitigate the spread of the virus.

Students who have already submitted their proof of vaccination and received the initial $20 in Bama Cash will automatically have another $20 added to their account.

For those who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine, University Medical Center is offering Saturday vaccine clinics on August 14 and August 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can make a clinic appointment by calling 205-348-1417 or make an appointment locally or through the Student Health Center.

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Alabama COVID-19 Vaccine Breakdown (June 2021)

Each graphic shows how many people are vaccinated in all of Alabama's 67 counties, plus the percentage of vaccinated people versus that county's total population. This data was pulled from the Alabama Department of Public Health, county health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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