Summary
Following stagnating vaccination rates in the spring, nearly 20 states tried to incentivize the vaccine hesitant to get their shot with the thrill of a lottery. Although emerging studies suggest the gamble may have convinced some of those holding out, some are placing their bets on cash payouts for everyone that gets vaccinated. Experts hope the $100 incentive will change the cost-benefit analysis of those who have not gotten their shot, and stave off the spread of emerging COVID-19 variants. Others worry the payout could set a bad precedent, and being paid for public health measures could be the norm.