There truly has never been a better time to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Heck, in a way I regret having not waited.
Just consider some of the perks that companies and the federal government now are dangling: a chance to win free Super Bowl tickets and a shot at a year of free flights from United Airlines. There’s also free beer courtesy of Anheuser-Busch on the Fourth of July if America reaches the president’s goal of 70% of Americans partially vaccinated by Independence Day. And today on National Donut Day, Krispy Kreme is giving away two donuts to those with proof of vaccination.
Not enough for a shot in the arm? How about $1 million then? That is what the grocery store chain Kroger will give to a vaccinated person each week this month. It also will provide free groceries for a year to dozens of people.
There are a slew of other goodies to push people to the finish line, from free child care to extended pharmacy hours every Friday night in June.
Talk about a deal.
Why all this fuss, you might ask? With the 70% vaccination target in his sights, the president is aiming to return the United States to a sense of normalcy by this summer.
The question is whether these goodies will be enough to combat the fears and anxiety among those who have hesitated so far — such as home care workers — to receive the vaccines. Time will tell.
For home care employers, the incentives, at the very least, present an opening to nudge workers to get on board the vaccination train. And they can use the lighthearted conversation starter to argue for other deeper incentives. Those are steady work, safety on the job and protection for the seniors in their care.
Altruism aside, just a chance at a year’s worth of free groceries might convince me to do a few things I wouldn’t otherwise be comfortable doing.
Liza Berger is editor of McKnight’s Home Care. Follow her @LizaBerger19 and email her at [email protected].
