Where is my Free Burrito?
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Incentives are encouraging people to get vaccines.
In Louisiana, we are about 32% vaccinated for Covid, and while I in no way want to get into a debate about the pros, cons, and conspiracy theories about the vaccination, I am certainly ready for life to resume its normal flow.
I got the vaccine. I also had Covid back in January, so maybe I still have antibodies, too.
So, where are my incentives?
I mean, states all across the nation are now offering incentives for people to go get this vaccination. I want to be rewarded!
I didn’t get any free crawfish, no free shots of tequila, not even a beignet or a burrito.
These types of incentives are popping up all across the country. Krispy Kreme will give you a free doughnut if you show your vaccination card.
You can get free beer, a Nathan’s hot dog, or tickets to Six Flags.
And I got nothing. Well, I did get a free cup of coffee while I sat and waited my obligatory fifteen minutes after my shot. I guess that counts for something.
And I got the opportunity to burn up fourteen of my sick days while I had Covid. That was fun. Not.
No, it seems that we now live in the land of incentives. If you want something done, offer something for free in return.
I was glad to get my vaccination, to be honest. I was glad to toss off my mask, so happy to walk into a store and see faces again. In many places we can now go to restaurants, see live music events again, and visit folks in nursing homes and hospitals. I would do whatever it takes to put this pandemic year behind us.
In the United States, we are approaching the 50% mark for vaccines, and maybe that is enough to return to normal.
Or maybe we need more incentives.
