Young people in West Virginia may soon receive a $100 savings bond from the state — if they get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Why West Virginia is paying people to get vaccinated
West Virginia will reportedly give out $100 bonds to young people 16 to 35 years old in order to “motivate them” to get the coronavirus vaccine, according to BBC News.
- “Our kids today probably don’t really realize just how important they are in shutting this thing down,” West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said Monday, according to BBC News.
- “I’m telling you, West Virginia, it’s time to shut this thing down,” he said, according to West Virginia News
West Virginia and COVID-19 vaccine
West Virginia has been one of the top states in the country for vaccinations, according to The New York Times. But the vaccine rollout has slowed in recent weeks, which has led to this new measure.
Right now, about 52% of the 1.5 million eligible residents have received at least one dose. Close to 40% might be hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, though, according to BBC News.
- “I’m trying to come up with a way that’s truly going to motivate them, and us, to get over the hump,” Justice said.
Per West Virginia News, the state will use the COVID-19 stimulus funds to give the young people the bond.