Recently, I was at a local drive-through chatting with someone I’ve come to know. In our small town, community connections run deep. When I asked this worker about his vaccine eligibility as a frontline employee, he hesitated and declared, “I’m not getting it. I don’t think it’s safe. I’m just going to take my chances.” This response echoes the sentiments I’ve heard from many friends and family members—there’s a widespread skepticism about the vaccine.
During our exchange, I recalled an intriguing proposal by economist Robert Litan. I casually suggested, “What if the government offered you money to get it?” His response was telling: “Maybe.” This simple mention of financial incentive shifted his stance from a firm “no” to a contemplative “maybe.” Litan, associated with the Brookings Institution, argues that compensating individuals for receiving the vaccine could be a pivotal strategy in boosting vaccination rates across the country.
The Concept of Financial Incentives
Here’s the concept: individuals would receive $200 upon completing both vaccine doses. Once the nation achieves herd immunity, an additional $800 would be distributed, totaling $1,000 for vaccinated Americans. This approach mirrors various economic incentives we’re familiar with. For example, my health insurance rewards me for maintaining a gym membership or quitting smoking. Many of us have seen similar incentives for safe driving.
The prospect of that $800 once herd immunity is reached might motivate others to say, “Get vaccinated, I want that payout!” This could foster conversations about the science supporting vaccine safety and efficacy, encouraging people to reconsider their hesitations.
The Challenge Ahead
However, the statistics reveal a daunting challenge. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, around 70 to 85 percent of Americans need to be vaccinated to see a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases. That equates to approximately 230 million to 279 million people in the U.S. Yet, about 30% of Americans express reluctance towards vaccination. Their objections range from general anti-vaccine sentiments to concerns about the safety of new vaccines.
Given these realities, achieving widespread vaccination likely necessitates a robust public health campaign, mandatory vaccinations, or, as suggested here, financial incentives. While states do possess the authority to mandate vaccinations—backed by legal precedents since a 1905 Supreme Court decision on smallpox vaccinations—many have struggled even with mask mandates. The potential backlash and conspiracy theories that would arise from enforcing such mandates could lead to significant public unrest.
Instead, offering incentives might serve as a more palatable approach. After all, an extra thousand bucks could go a long way for many individuals.
Concerns and Considerations
There are concerns surrounding the implications of paying people to get vaccinated. Cynthia Cryder, a marketing professor, notes that while payments might encourage some, they could also imply that the vaccine carries risks, potentially dissuading others from getting vaccinated. Both sides of this argument are valid and worthy of consideration.
You may wonder about the cost of such a program. Robert Litan estimates it would range between $250 billion and $300 billion, arguing that this cost is minimal compared to the economic damage inflicted by a prolonged pandemic. He views this as a necessary investment in a society rife with distrust in science.
The Moral Imperative
Ultimately, while the moral imperative to get vaccinated should stem from a sense of communal responsibility, the current climate suggests that this may not be enough. Sadly, that’s a larger issue worth exploring. As of now, there are no active proposals for a vaccination incentive program, but given the statistics, it’s a conversation worth having in the near future.
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Summary
Incentivizing COVID vaccination through financial rewards could effectively increase uptake among hesitant individuals. As many Americans express skepticism towards the vaccine, offering payments for vaccination might shift attitudes and promote public health. While concerns exist about signaling risks associated with the vaccine, the potential economic benefits outweigh the costs of such a program. With no current proposals on the table, it’s vital to continue exploring this idea in the future.