Seducing Its Citizens To Join COVID-19 Vaccination, California Distributes Prizes Of IDR 1.6 Trillion

Ilustrasi vaksin COVID-19. (Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Defense of Peru)

JAKARTA - In order to increase the vaccination program for its citizens, the State of California, United States (US) has budgeted prizes in the form of cash and gift cards for its citizens who are willing to be vaccinated before June 15.

This is the most lucrative incentive, amidst low vaccination rates in California, where the population is skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 116.6 million US dollars was prepared, or the equivalent of Rp1,666,782,975,000

In fact, the state led by Gavin Newsom is planning to reopen its economy as a whole, starting on June 15. Hence, he is rolling out the lottery-style prize vaccines.

"Getting every Californian eligible to be vaccinated is our way of getting back on our feet from this pandemic," Newsom said.

"With a few exceptions, all Californians vaccinated since vaccination was first available will be entered into a draw for a larger prize," Newsom continued at a news conference in Los Angeles.

The only details are that ten Californians who were vaccinated before that date will win lottery-style prizes of US $ 1.5 million each. Then, there are 30 people who will each win 50,000 US dollars, equivalent to Rp775 million

In addition, starting Thursday the first two million Californians to be vaccinated will each win a gift card worth US $ 50, equivalent to Rp.725,000 in cash or groceries.

"Some Californians are not ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine on the first day, and that's okay," said California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Tomas Aragon.

"This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe," he continued.

To note, a number of states and private organizations in the US offer various types of incentives, to persuade people to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Types ranging from baseball tickets, free beer, college scholarships to cash.

Last Wednesday, Ohio awarded a US $ 1 million prize to Abbigail Bugenske, a Silverton resident who entered the state's Vax-a-Million lottery. Meanwhile Joseph Costello, a high school student from Inglewood, won a full education scholarship, including tuition, books, room, and board at an Ohio state university or college.