A recent NPR/Marist poll found that one in four Americans said they would refuse a coronavirus vaccine outright if offered. Another 5% are “undecided” about whether they would get the shot. According to the World Health Organisation, vaccination hesitancy refers to the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccine services. It is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience and confidence. To counter the challenge of vaccine hesitancy, some states in the US are offering incentives to take the jab.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said that residents 21 years of age and older who get at least one dose of a vaccine in May were eligible for a free beer if they show their vaccination card at one of several participating breweries.
The program has been introduced in conjunction with the Brewers Guild of New Jersey.
NEW: We’re launching our “Shot and a Beer” program to encourage eligible New Jerseyans ages 21+ to get vaccinated.
Any New Jerseyan who gets their first vaccine dose in the month of May and takes their vaccination card to a participating brewery will receive a free beer. 🍻 pic.twitter.com/REiHTEa6mi
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 3, 2021
Connecticut
The state of Connecticut has a similar program. Residents who have received at least one dose of a vaccine can get a free beverage, whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic — at participating restaurants in the state.
➡️Visit a participating Connecticut restaurant May 19-31
➡️Show your vaccine card
➡️Get a free drink (food purchase required)For the list of participating restaurants, visit https://t.co/Mtob05qHgI
More will continue to be added over the coming weeks.#CTDrinksOnUs pic.twitter.com/ZO0ue5bBwO
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) April 26, 2021
Detroit
The city of Detroit has announced that it would offer $50 prepaid gift cards to anyone who drives a resident to select vaccination sites. There is no limit on how much people can earn driving Detroit residents to get vaccinated.
West Virginia
The Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia, a Republican, said that the state would give $100 savings bonds to 16- to 35-year-olds who get a COVID-19 vaccine.The Justice said that he was looking at other incentives amid difficulties trying to set up a savings bond program,
Los Angeles
A City Council member and a multifaith cultural arts centre offered a free bag of produce to anyone who visited their free vaccine centre.
Private companies in the US have also jumped in on the incentive bandwagon. Amtrak is offering employees two hours of pay, and the Kroger grocery chain is offering $200 worth of store credit and outright payment.
In India, Reliance General Insurance said it will offer a one-time, 5% discount to covid-vaccinated customers who either buy or renew its Health Infinity policy.
The additional discount on the policy will be over and above the other discounts applicable at the time of policy purchase. Customers who have taken the first dose of covid vaccine are eligible to avail of this benefit.