Incentives for COVID-19 vaccines keep coming as inoculation rates fall

The growing number of vaccination incentives come as inoculation rates are falling and more states loosen pandemic restrictions.

News 12 Staff

May 22, 2021, 8:27 PM

Updated 1,235 days ago

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States and businesses across the country are pulling out all the stops to try and get more people vaccinated against COVID-19.
The growing number of vaccination incentives come as inoculation rates are falling and more states loosen pandemic restrictions.
More than 160 million people in the United States have at least one dose of a vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, the average daily pace of vaccinations is down nearly 50% since its peak last month.
Businesses, state governments, and the White House have been boosting incentives to get vaccinated. Ohio, New York, Maryland and Oregon are all giving away millions of dollars through special lotteries.
The White House is teaming up with some of the most popular dating apps -- proof of vaccination can grant access to premium extras including boosts, super likes and super swipes.
"People who display their vaccination status are 14% more likely to get a match. We have finally found the one thing that makes us all more attractive, the vaccination," said Andy Slavitt, a White House senior advisor for COVID-19 response.
Health experts say vaccines are key as states begin to relax pandemic restrictions.
"It's going to be important that we have that widespread uptake of the vaccine, then we can return to more and more of what we like to do," said Dr. Chris T. Pernell, a public health physician.