Should Aussies be rewarded for getting vaccinated?
The COVID outbreak in Melbourne might well have a significant effect on COVID hesitancy in Victoria, but to get more people motivated to book in for a jab in other states, does the government need to offer financial incentives?
The nation's chief medical officer, Professor Paul Kelly, says vaccine incentives such as cash, lotteries or discounts should be “on the table” to encourage more Australians - and especially older Australians - to get a COVID jab now.
Labor has backed Prof. Kelly and wants the government to offer “serious incentives” to encourage vaccinations.
“If you are in a group that has been offered the vaccine, please do not hesitate. Do not wait until the end of the year,” said Prof. Kelly.
“I think we really do need to look for incentives, as many incentives as we can.”
Some cities in the US have offered beer, million-dollar lotteries and discounts to get people to join the queue.
Health minister Greg Hunt and the federal health department had told The New Daily they weren’t considering sweeteners, but Prof. Kelly indicated this may change.
When asked at a Canberra press conference if cash, lotteries or discounted goods could be offered, Prof. Kelly said: “I think all of these things are potentially on the table.”
Do you think the government should be offering incentives to overcome vaccine hesitancy? Would it change your attitude or have you already received a shot?
I don't agree with the application of reward or punishment for receiving or not receiving the vaccine. Both can be interpreted as coercion. The only thing the public requires is the facts and transparency so that each person can make their own decision to act in what they consider is in their best interest. Since we are being told that receiving a vaccine will not stop us from getting or spreading Covid 19 but will ensure we don't get very sick if we catch it, those who are vaccinated will have little to fear when our borders are reopened. I imagine that if I am vaccinated and sitting on a plane with unvaccinated people who may have the illness, I will feel assured that I will not be very sick if I catch it. So why would vaccination passports be necessary? I do think though that our borders should remain closed until everyone who wants the vaccination has had the opportunity to receive it.