The US government has introduced free beer and cakes to encourage its citizens to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
President Joe Biden wants 70% of adults to receive at least one vaccine by July 4, Independence Day, and overcoming reluctance to get vaccinated is essential to achieve that goal.
“We know there are millions of Americans who need a little bit of encouragement to get vaccinated,” Biden told reporters at the White House.
Some 56% of American adults, or more than 145 million people, have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but the pace of vaccination has slowed in recent times.
Federal, state and local authorities are partnering with pharmacies, restaurants, breweries, supermarkets and sports teams to provide incentives to get the vaccine.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy started a “Shot and a Beer” program to encourage people to get vaccinated.
“Anyone in New Jersey who receives their first dose of vaccine in the month of May and brings their vaccination card to a participating brewery will receive a free beer,” Mr. Murphy tweeted.
The offer only applies to residents of the Garden State over the age of 21, the legal drinking age in the United States.
Connecticut State Governor Ned Lamont last month unveiled a similar “Free Drink” promotion at participating restaurants.
In Washington, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a free beer in exchange for an injection of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
In West Virginia, Governor Jim Justice announced that the state would offer $ 100 savings bonds to residents between the ages of 16 and 35 who get vaccinated.
“Our young people today are probably not realizing their role in the fight against this pandemic,” Justice said. “I’m trying to find a way that will really motivate them – and also motivate us to take the plunge. “
“They are not taking the vaccines as quickly as we would like. If we really want to make a difference, we need to get our young people vaccinated, ”he added.
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan said state employees who get vaccinated will receive $ 100.
They must also agree to receive any booster shots recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, otherwise they will have to repay the $ 100.
“Incentives like this are another way to reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated, and we strongly encourage state-owned companies to consider offering incentives to their employees as well,” Hogan said.
Krispy Kreme is giving away a free iced cake to anyone who presents their Covid-19 vaccination card at any of their stores.
According to a survey conducted in March by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 25% of 18-29 year olds prefer to “wait” before getting vaccinated, compared to 17% of the total population. Only 13% of those surveyed indicated that they refused to receive a vaccine.
Photo credit: cw39
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