Virgin’s prizes for vax plan takes off

VIRGIN Australia has joined the campaign to get the country vaccinated as soon as possible, offering $150,000 worth of “prizes” for those who have had the double jab.

Unlike Qantas, not every entrant will be rewarded, nor will they need to show proof of vaccination to enter.

Among the prizes on offer, are a million Velocity frequent flyer points, business class flights, lounge memberships and pyjama sets.

Those who wish to enter need only go to the Virgin “vax and win” website, insert their details and Velocity membership number, and tick the box to confirm their Covid vaccination status.

The competition will remain open until the end of the year, with winners to be notified on January 13.

Virgin is also giving fully vaccinated employees a shot at prizes including a Hamilton Island holiday, additional annual leave, business class flights and lounge membership.

The airline has set November 15 as the deadline for frontline workers to be fully vaccinated, and March 31, 2022, for the rest of the workforce.

Chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said the competitions recognised vaccination as Australia’s ticket to freedom.

“Vaccination is our way back to the things we love and the people we miss, and most importantly, it’s the only way we can protect the lives and livelihoods of all Australians,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“We are all in this together and the sooner we are vaccinated to the thresholds required by government, the sooner we can return to a quality way of life that includes travelling freely within our own country and abroad.”

With Virgin having stood down more than 1000 staff and flying at about 25 per cent of pre-covid capacity, it was important to reach vaccination thresholds “as soon as possible”, Ms Hrdlicka said.

Since last Tuesday’s launch of its vaccine rewards campaign, Qantas has had more than 170,000 people upload their vaccination certificate in return for either 1000 frequent flyer points, 15 status credits or $20 off their next flight.