Vaccine Shots for Gunshots?
West Virginia will reward its vaccinated residents with new guns, attempting to dissolve one pandemic by aiding another
West Virginia has had an especially challenging time enduring the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the state’s positivity rate is currently at a low since spiking last October (4%), nearly 600 new cases are being reported daily, with more than 200 infected residents hospitalized. In the midst of America’s fight against the coronavirus, these numbers have stained the Mountain State with a poor man’s status. Add to that an oppressive statewide hospital bill—one that West Virginia intends to deflate with a syringe.
West Virginia’s vaccination rate (49%) ranks 45th among all states (Vermont ranks first with 82% of all eligible citizens vaccinated). Its political leaders have settled on increased inoculations as the health solution for its local population and pride. The chosen conduit for this achievement is incentivizing. The state is ready to reward or straight up pay their people to roll up a sleeve and take one for the team. Ohio was one of the first states to offer vaccine prizes. Its vaccination numbers rose immediately after the announcement of a $1 million lottery for five vaxxed residents.
