State vaccine incentives do little to boost vaccination rates, research shows

With millions of Americans still opting against getting vaccinated against COVID-19,  retailers, companies and local governments are offering incentives including free beer, donuts and even cash to encourage them get their shots.

As the share of individuals who are vaccinated in the U.S. plateaus, at least 24 states have announced city- or state-wide incentive programs they hope will compel the vaccine-hesitant to roll up their sleeves. For example, the Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, said the city is giving individuals who receive the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines $50 gift cards after each shot, or $100 gift cards to recipients of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  "We understand that there are people who may still be inclined to become fully vaccinated, but simply haven't made it a priority," said Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. in a statement Tuesday. "We hope to convince them that now is the time to take this important step to protect themselves and their loved ones."