GASTONIA, N.C. — Gaston County employees have another reason to consider the COVID-19 vaccine, as the county announced a new $250 cash incentive for workers to get the shot.
County commissioners recently approved the $250 bonus for county employees who are fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. If 75% of county employees are fully vaccinated by that date, inoculated workers will be eligible for an additional $250.
Gaston County spokesman Adam Gaub said they took inspiration from the state's vaccine campaign, in which anyone who got a shot received a $100 gift card.
He said every time the state shipped the county new gift cards, hundreds of people showed up.
"If you'd ask me personally about a month ago if I thought this would be effective, I probably would've said no," Gaub said. "That part's been wild, and I never would've anticipated that that would've been what moved the needle."
As he walked into the county administration building to pay property taxes, retired Gastonia firefighter Dannie Moore expressed disappointment that people needed a financial incentive to get the vaccine.
"They need to pull their head out and get their vaccinations. I'm serious," Moore said. "They should have enough sense to go out there and get the shot."
The City of Charlotte announced a similar plan, with workers having until Sept. 30 to be vaccinated. Mayor Vi Lyles said she hopes the bonus will keep employees working and be able to serve the community in a safe way.
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