Justin Bullock, FISM News

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As COVID-19 vaccines are becoming increasingly available, state governments across the country, as well as the federal government, are providing a wide range of incentives for citizens to get vaccinated. The rideshare companies Uber and Lyft have agreed to provide free or heavily discounted rides to people who have scheduled to receive the vaccine. This program comes in partnership with President Biden, who announced the incentive two weeks ago.

Around the country state governments are following suit in a broad national push to get Americans vaccinated. Oregon, Ohio, New York, and Maryland are all running lotteries with prizes ranging from $20 to $5 million for those residents who sign up to become vaccinated. In Los Angeles, California the city is giving away season tickets for the Lakers to a few  fans who receive the vaccination in the coming months. Other localities across the US are providing smaller incentives to Americans who receive the vaccination. These incentives range from free meals, to gift cards, to admittance to entertainment events, to small cash prizes.

In Ohio these incentives have produced results with the rate of Ohioans receiving the vaccination shooting up 53% in one week after the lottery was announced. Ohio Health Director Stephanie McCloud had this to say, “Not only have we achieved our goal of increasing public awareness and interest, but we have slowed the consistent decline in uptake and in certain age groups, we’re seeing an increase again.” Vaccine incentives are even making their way to social media and dating apps in the form of virtual badges confirming your vaccination to your friends and potential dates.

As the COVID vaccines have been met with some controversy, these rewards are an attempt to make a push for those residents who remain hesitant to receive a jab. While it is against the law to force vaccination, incentified coercion appears to be the method of choice for government entities focused on getting apprehensive Americans vaccinated.