Australia's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has suggested the country could soon start offering incentives to people in exchange for a coronavirus vaccine.
It's no secret that many people are skeptical about getting the jab and fear the potential rare side effects.
However, Australia is falling well behind compared to other countries in their vaccine rollout and its feared we could miss another target to get everyone vaccinated by the end of the year.
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To remedy this situation, the country's CMO Paul Kelly said they are considering introducing measures to persuade Aussies to make an appointment.
"We really do need to look for incentives - as many incentives as we can - for people to become vaccinated," he said this week.
"Some of these incentives will be talked about in coming days and weeks, but I think the main incentive is because it's going to actually protect you, your family and the community."
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He said all ideas were 'potentially on the table' and they will hopefully target the 50-69 year age group that appears to be the biggest category of people who are vaccine hesitant.
Considering Mr Kelly said there's no such thing as a bad idea, Australia could copy New Jersey by offering vaccine recipients a free beer.
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. 🍻
The US state introduced the 'Shot and a Beer' scheme to boost vaccine numbers in May. Recipients had to take their proof of vaccination card to one of 13 breweries and they'd be rewarded with a pint.
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It's not the only area to offer an incentive to get a vaccine.
The Greenhouse of Walled Lake, a marijuana dispensary in Michigan, was giving out free joints for a jab, while people in Dubai would be given two weeks of free gym membership.
In the Indian city of Rajkot, women are given free nose rings, and New Yorkers who get a Covid-19 shot this week will get free lottery scratch cards with a chance to win $5 million.
There are incentives for free Krispy Kreme doughnuts, free college tuition and even a vaccination verification badge on dating apps. The list of potential handouts is endless.
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But Paul Kelly said the biggest incentive to getting the coronavirus jab is the knowledge and belief that you are keeping yourself and your community safe during a pandemic.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Australia