World
New York to offer $100 incentive for vaccinations
Albany: New York City (NYC) will start paying $100 to people who get vaccinated against coronavirus at a city-run vaccination site, starting Friday (July 30) – making the city’s government the latest to offer cash incentive for the vaccine hesitant.
The Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement Wednesday at a press conference and stated that the payments will be transferred to people who will receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The payment will be paid in the form of a $100 prepaid debit card.
"It does not get better than that," the mayor said.
Blasio said that over 59 percent of the city's population has received at least one Covid-19 shot, but that's not enough.
"I personally believe that the guarantee that right then and there you're going to be rewarded, I think that's going to make a big difference to people," he added.
"That misinformation, that fear has hurt," he said. "And what's in all of our interest is to get every single additional person vaccinated".
Citizens of NYC can locate the vaccine site through the city’s Vaccine Finder or by calling 1-877-VAX-4NYC.
Starting 30th July, the cash reward will be handed out to city residents and employees who make an appointment at city-run vaccination sites.
Reportedly, over nine million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the city.