A $25 reward for getting tested? This state’s bold move to stop bird flu
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These days, it’s not often you hear about health officials offering cash—or anything close to it—just for getting a flu test.
But in a new and somewhat surprising public health effort, residents in one state are being offered a small reward simply for taking a proactive step toward their health.
The idea? Turn routine testing into a community-wide push to stay ahead of a growing health concern.
In a collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California is offering $25 gift cards to individuals who get tested for bird flu or receive the regular seasonal flu vaccine in certain areas near affected poultry farms.
It’s an effort designed to boost participation in both testing and immunization.
This new program is designed to boost early detection and help limit the spread of avian influenza, particularly in regions where poultry farms have reported infections.
By offering financial incentives, health officials hope to encourage more people to participate in testing and seasonal flu vaccination—especially in rural or agricultural communities where bird flu risks may be higher.
Clinics distributing the gift cards are managed by a state vendor and supported by funds from California’s emergency declaration for bird flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also involved, deploying a mobile unit known as the Avian Flu Influenza Area Surveillance Testing (AFAST) van to certain locations for easier access to testing.
"Funding for the gift cards comes out of California's bird flu state emergency declaration funds. CDC does testing only and offers no incentives of any kind," a spokesperson from the California Department of Public Health clarified via email.
This effort comes amid misinformation spreading across social media, including false claims that the CDC has told states to stop testing symptomatic farmworkers.
A spokesperson from California addressed circulating misinformation, emphasizing that the state's testing procedures remain in place and consistent.
"There has been no change to our guidance for testing suspect cases, we are not aware of any symptomatic workers not being referred or tested for H5N1, and it is very unlikely that testing would be declined if H5N1 was suspected," the spokesperson stated.
A CDC spokesperson also confirmed that there has been no change in guidance, stating: "Individuals with symptoms should seek testing from their doctor or local health department."
That message has also been echoed in nearby states.
Health departments in Nevada and Idaho are following the same testing and treatment protocols.
Both states have reassured the public that they continue to test farmworkers exposed to bird flu and haven’t discouraged anyone from seeking care.
"We have no knowledge of this happening and have not heard any recent reports of symptomatic workers," said AJ McWhorter, spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in an email.
Initial testing for bird flu is typically handled by state and local health department labs, which then send samples to the CDC for confirmation.
These agencies also issue alerts when they detect a "presumptive" case—cases that are flagged early on, even if not ultimately confirmed.
Beyond testing individuals with known exposure on farms, California health officials say they are also monitoring flu cases in other parts of the state to ensure no bird flu infections are being missed.
"To date, all samples tested have been confirmed as seasonal subtypes H1 or H3, which rules out infection with H5N1 [bird flu]. The fact that no other human cases of H5N1 have been identified via subtyping efforts is reassuring," the spokesperson noted.
Community engagement is one of the strongest tools we have in fighting the spread of infectious diseases.
California’s approach—combining practical incentives with clear public messaging—aims to encourage people to take part in a wider public health effort.
These efforts not only protect individuals, but also create a stronger safety net for everyone.
If you’re in California—especially near a region with reported bird flu cases—consider taking part in this program.
By doing so, you’re helping to safeguard both your own health and the health of your neighbors. And yes, you’ll receive a $25 gift card for your time!
Also read: Protect yourself: The alarming new bird flu symptoms you need to know in 2025
We at The GrayVine encourage readers to stay engaged and informed. Have you—or someone you know—taken part in this program? What do you think about using incentives to promote public health? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
But in a new and somewhat surprising public health effort, residents in one state are being offered a small reward simply for taking a proactive step toward their health.
The idea? Turn routine testing into a community-wide push to stay ahead of a growing health concern.
In a collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California is offering $25 gift cards to individuals who get tested for bird flu or receive the regular seasonal flu vaccine in certain areas near affected poultry farms.
It’s an effort designed to boost participation in both testing and immunization.
Public health initiatives are encouraging greater community participation in flu prevention efforts. Image Source: Pexels / Brett Jordan.
Why the unusual incentive?
This new program is designed to boost early detection and help limit the spread of avian influenza, particularly in regions where poultry farms have reported infections.
By offering financial incentives, health officials hope to encourage more people to participate in testing and seasonal flu vaccination—especially in rural or agricultural communities where bird flu risks may be higher.
Clinics distributing the gift cards are managed by a state vendor and supported by funds from California’s emergency declaration for bird flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also involved, deploying a mobile unit known as the Avian Flu Influenza Area Surveillance Testing (AFAST) van to certain locations for easier access to testing.
"Funding for the gift cards comes out of California's bird flu state emergency declaration funds. CDC does testing only and offers no incentives of any kind," a spokesperson from the California Department of Public Health clarified via email.
Also read: Critical warning: First US human death from bird flu reported
Clearing up the misinformation
This effort comes amid misinformation spreading across social media, including false claims that the CDC has told states to stop testing symptomatic farmworkers.
A spokesperson from California addressed circulating misinformation, emphasizing that the state's testing procedures remain in place and consistent.
"There has been no change to our guidance for testing suspect cases, we are not aware of any symptomatic workers not being referred or tested for H5N1, and it is very unlikely that testing would be declined if H5N1 was suspected," the spokesperson stated.
A CDC spokesperson also confirmed that there has been no change in guidance, stating: "Individuals with symptoms should seek testing from their doctor or local health department."
That message has also been echoed in nearby states.
Also read: Alarming discovery: Rare bird flu strain strikes dairy cows—what’s happening?
What neighboring states are doing
Health departments in Nevada and Idaho are following the same testing and treatment protocols.
Both states have reassured the public that they continue to test farmworkers exposed to bird flu and haven’t discouraged anyone from seeking care.
"We have no knowledge of this happening and have not heard any recent reports of symptomatic workers," said AJ McWhorter, spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in an email.
Also read: Silent threat? Sneaky bird flu discovery puts USDA on high alert!
The role of health departments
Initial testing for bird flu is typically handled by state and local health department labs, which then send samples to the CDC for confirmation.
These agencies also issue alerts when they detect a "presumptive" case—cases that are flagged early on, even if not ultimately confirmed.
Beyond testing individuals with known exposure on farms, California health officials say they are also monitoring flu cases in other parts of the state to ensure no bird flu infections are being missed.
"To date, all samples tested have been confirmed as seasonal subtypes H1 or H3, which rules out infection with H5N1 [bird flu]. The fact that no other human cases of H5N1 have been identified via subtyping efforts is reassuring," the spokesperson noted.
Community engagement is one of the strongest tools we have in fighting the spread of infectious diseases.
California’s approach—combining practical incentives with clear public messaging—aims to encourage people to take part in a wider public health effort.
These efforts not only protect individuals, but also create a stronger safety net for everyone.
If you’re in California—especially near a region with reported bird flu cases—consider taking part in this program.
By doing so, you’re helping to safeguard both your own health and the health of your neighbors. And yes, you’ll receive a $25 gift card for your time!
Also read: Protect yourself: The alarming new bird flu symptoms you need to know in 2025
We at The GrayVine encourage readers to stay engaged and informed. Have you—or someone you know—taken part in this program? What do you think about using incentives to promote public health? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
