Adults 21 and older can get free beer with their COVID-19 vaccinations during pop-up events scheduled next week at breweries in Kalispell and Columbia Falls.

It's one way local health officials are trying to incentivize people to get the shots as Flathead County's vaccination rate continues to lag behind state and national averages.

Backslope Brewing, at 1107 Ninth St. W. in Columbia Falls, will host a vaccination clinic from 2 to 6 p.m. on June 9.

Bias Brewing, at 409 First Ave. E. in Kalispell, will host a clinic from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 10.

The Flathead City-County Health Department said the events will offer vaccinations to adults 18 and older. Those of drinking age will receive one free beer if they choose to get a jab.

"We wanted to partner with local health experts, community leaders and businesses to provide vaccines and information at alternative locations and times of day to help make vaccines more accessible to all," Bias Brewing co-owner Gabe Mariman said in a statement.

"As a community we are trending behind the national vaccination average, and that puts our community and economy at risk," Mariman said. "We hope that providing these alternative locations and time slots will allow our region to vaccinate at a rate that will protect our neighbors, loved ones and our Montana way of life."

About 34% of Flathead County residents have received two doses to become fully vaccinated, while the statewide average is about 43%, according to data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

About 41% of all Americans are fully vaccinated, and more than half have received at least one dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flathead City-County Health Officer Joe Russell has said he hopes the county will achieve a vaccination rate of at least 40%.

The health department, which has previously focused its efforts on a mass vaccination site at the county fairgrounds in Kalispell, said other local businesses interested in hosting pop-up clinics should contact Russell at 406-751-8155.

"Providing vaccination events at local businesses will offer our community members the opportunity to get their COVID-19 shot in a lowkey, fun environment with a trusted network of friends, health-care providers and business owners," said Erica Lengacher, a registered nurse and infectious disease specialist who has worked in the COVID-19 unit at Logan Health Medical Center. "We are hoping that those who have been hesitant about getting vaccinated or haven't been able to fit it into their schedule will come with questions and are ready to enjoy some local food and brew."

Many local and state governments in the U.S. have partnered with businesses or used public funds to offer novel incentives to get vaccinated, from free beer to college scholarships. Such initiatives also are backed by the Biden White House, which is pushing for 70% of Americans to have at least one vaccine dose by the Fourth of July.

Some states recently launched vaccine lotteries offering big cash prizes. In Ohio, vaccine recipients are entered into weekly drawings for $1 million. California's vaccine lottery offers prizes as large as $1.5 million. And in West Virginia, people can get vaccinated for the chance to win $1 million or items such as custom firearms.

Assistant editor Chad Sokol may be reached at 406-758-4439 or csokol@dailyinterlake.com.