Florida leaders show no interest in adding COVID-19 vaccine incentives

ORLANDO, Fla. — Some state leaders are looking at ways to motivate people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

With demand for the vaccine dropping, businesses, companies and a few states are putting out some big incentives for people to get that shot.

States are doing everything from sweepstakes to scholarships to million-dollar lotteries.

But will incentive to get vaccinated be used in Florida?

From dating apps to doughnuts, there are a variety of vaccination incentives.

It started off small, with freebies for proof of vaccination, including free fries at Shake Shack and a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme.

Then it got more elaborate.

Dating apps are now displaying badges that show people’s vaccination status, and if you’re vaccinated you get premium content.

Ohio was also the first state to came up with the lottery idea to motivate people to get the shot after they saw a dip in demand.

Five vaccinated residents in Ohio will win $1 million each, and that first winner was just announced.

Maryland, New York, Oregon and California jumped on the sweepstakes bandwagon, and officials said these programs work.

They explained that federal funds in the American Rescue Plan can be used for vaccine incentive programs.

The governor’s office said Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t planning to organize a “vaccine lottery” of any kind.

So, no free money in Florida, but private companies that operate here are offering their own sweepstakes.

See the full report in the video above.

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