Donuts, beer, big bucks - but are vaccine incentives a good idea?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-05-27 07:00

International

What does this mean?

Jump to: MultimediaAttachmentsExpert Reaction

Krispy Kreme donuts, free beer, gift cards - and multi-million dollar lotteries - are all incentives offered by some American states and businesses to tempt more people to take up the COVID-19 vaccine. In a commentary, medical and behavioural economics experts say incentives may boost vaccine uptake in the short-term. However, they say three alternatives would be more effective and long-lasting: 1) workplaces and schools requiring vaccination; 2) making access to close-contact activities - like university enrolment - restricted to vaccinated people, and 3) higher health and life insurance premiums for people not vaccinated.