Convincing the community to go get themselves vaccinated can be a challenge. Some might not see the benefit as they feel that Covid-19 is not a serious problem. This is why there are so many initiatives done to entice them to do their part in the war against the virus. In the US, we have read about local governments giving out cash, free food, and even guns to motivate their citizens.
The latest offering comes from the state of Washington, where those who go to get themselves vaccinated will be given pre-rolled buds as a reward. As reported by Washington Post, in an effort to support the Covid-19 vaccination program, the state’s liquor and cannabis board announced that state-licensed cannabis retailers will temporality be allowed to give a free joint to adults who get their first or second dose at a vaccine clinic at one of the retail locations.
Rupali Limaye, a behavioural and social scientist that studies vaccine hesitancy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health explained that.
“Since the start of the pandemic itself, we’ve always had about a quarter of the population that’s been like, ‘Uh, I really don’t know,’.”
Hence, it is acceptable that initiatives to rewards those who get themselves vaccinated be part of the strategy to fight the virus. While marijuana is still illegal in Malaysia, we can adapt the approach and maybe reward those who got the vaccine shots will something legal and enticing. It does not have to be expensive. Some might even appreciate a small amount of cash to help them survive for the whole month.
Also read: 1,000 People Get Their 1st Dose From Mobile Vaccination Trucks In PPR Kampung Muhibbah
