A Bribe for a Vaccination: Why?
In an ideal world, adults would be rational and logical when it comes to making decisions — specifically, when it comes to our health. But we don’t live in an ideal world. Scientists and doctors can present all the evidence they have, but some people still don’t feel the right decision is worthwhile…That is, unless they are being bribed.
Though the rates of those vaccinated nationally is rising in most parts of the country, many cities, states, and locales have resorted to offering prizes and goodies to convince some Americans to get the shot. Though President Biden set a goal of having at least 70 percent of Americans vaccinated by July 4, it looks like the numbers by that date may fall short.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine dangled the opportunity of potentially winning $1 million dollars. According to an article on CNN published on May 26, the rate of Ohio residents receiving the jab went up 45 percent. In my hometown of New York City, those proving that they have received the vaccine can get free fries from Shake Shack, ticket vouchers to Mets and Yankees games, and to the Natural History Museum.
The catch for the games and the museum is that you have to receive the shot on the premises, but who wouldn’t turn down such a tempting offer? The MTA also offered Johnson & Johnson at major train stations using a free one-week MetroCard or a round trip ticket on either the LIRR or Metro North trains. The rationale was that those waiting on line either did not have time or were frustrated by the merry go round that is the NYC Vaccine Finder website. The program was supposed to last five days, from May 12 to May 17. It was eventually extended to May 29. That seems to be the most sensible of carrots, but the stick should not have to be used in the first place.
Others claim that they have not received the jab because of the experimental nature of the work of those who helped to develop it. While I understand their concern, the quicker it got to the public, the faster lives could be saved. It was a risk that under other circumstances would not have been taken. It is not unreasonable to question how safe it is, given how quickly it was developed. The incubation time for most vaccines is about 10 to 15 years. To have waited that long would have potentially added additional millions to the list of those who lost their lives to COVID. The problem comes from conspiracy theories and hoaxes, scaring away some who might otherwise get the shot without question.
As I see it, it’s akin to bribing a child with extra play time to do their homework. Just as a child should know that getting their homework done after school is their top priority, adults should prioritize their health, especially during a pandemic. About a dozen years ago, I was diagnosed with dysthymia. One of the offshoots of this diagnosis was understanding the importance of focusing on my physical and emotional health. It was true before last spring and is even more paramount these days.
Granted, there are political and cultural issues making the topic more complicated than it should be. Which in my mind is extremely frustrating, knowing that this is a simple question. Do you want to potentially save your life and the lives of others around you? Or are you so foolish as to not question the lies and half-truths that are coming out of certain segments of our population and our media?
As much as herd immunity is the goal, we may never reach it. With the number of variants rising, we can only hope to get as many shots in arms as possible. Quoting Dr. Fauci, an article in the May 18 issue of Prevention said that it is possible that we will be wearing masks into next year. This article was published five days after the CDC announced that those who are fully vaxxed can ditch their masks. We can get to the point in which we return to some version of pre-pandemic normalcy. But that requires a level head and the will to do what needs to be done. The challenge is to reduce by thousands the number of people who, for any number of reasons, are unwilling to do their part — unless a reward is promised.
Adina Bernstein is a New York City born and bred writer, who like many writers, has a day job to pay the bills. She has been published in MovieBabble.com, How to be a Redhead, and The Mighty, among other publications. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram at Writergurlny. You can read more of her work on her blog https://writergurlny.wordpress.com/ and on her portfolio https://adinabernstein.contently.com/.
Featured photo: Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash
This originally appeared on COVID-19WallofMemories.org on June 18, 2021.
