Roughly about 41.5% of Americans (136 million) have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In an attempt to encourage more people to get the vaccine 18 states have rolled out incentive programs for residents who are vaccinated.
Ohio is one of the states who made national headlines with their inventive package of a $1 million lottery.
Maine is handing out outdoor recreational passes/licenses such as hunting and fishing licenses, as well as state and wildlife park passes.
West Virginia is the newest state to jump in on the trend for the vaccination incentive programs. Vaccinated residents are entered into a lottery that will give them a chance to win state park “weekend getaways,” lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, custom hunting rifles, custom hunting shotguns, and even a brand-new, custom-outfitted pickup truck.
Governor Jim Justice from West Virginia said that the incentive programs are more about the safety of his residents than the prizes themselves. Governor Justice said in a press conference, “The prizes to me are secondary to the fact that we’re trying to save your life.” He continued, “The faster we get them across the finish line, the more lives we save.”
As for me, I’m going to need more than a chance to win a free gun or license to get the vaccine. I would rather buy myself a new gun until I have ample research and decide if I want to get the vaccine or not. America is about freedom and choices; we should embrace and take advantage of that.
Do these incentives make you want to get the COVID-19 vaccine? What are your thoughts? Tell me in the comments.
