The NSW Health Services Union (HSU) has launched a $50,000 lottery pool to drive vaccination among health and aged care workers and paramedics and recognise those who have already had the jab.
The pool is divided into 50 separate thousand dollar prizes.
Any HSU member in NSW or Queensland who demonstrates they have either been jabbed or is booked for vaccination is eligible to enter the prize draw.
HSU NSW Secretary, Gerard Hayes, said the initiative would break down barriers to vaccination, recognise those who had been jabbed and provide an incentive for those who haven’t yet been vaccinated to come forward.
“Getting vaccinated is by far the best thing anyone can do to protect themselves, their family and the community from COVID,” Hayes said.
“This lottery is a chance to recognise the four in five paramedics, health and aged care workers who have already been vaccinated.
Hayes said it also provides those who haven’t with the chance to take a fresh look at the vaccine.
“We think this will be a powerful incentive for people who are reluctant and have delayed getting vaccinated.
“In mass zoom meetings, we have seen members who were initially hesitant come around to understand the vaccine’s benefit.
“The lottery provides another opportunity to have that conversation and explain the benefit of having the jab.”
The vaccination race, Hayes said, is far from over and the final stretch will be the hardest.
“We believe giving people incentives will propel our industries and our membership closer to the finish line.”