Louisiana's vaccination rate against COVID-19 has plateaued. Currently, about 30% of the state's residents are considered to be fully vaccinated. About 34% of the state's population is believed to have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine protocol. Still, that leaves an awful lot of the state's residents not vaccinated and that is a reason for concern according to Governor Edwards.

The past few weeks have shown that vaccination rates in Louisiana have been dropping dramatically since the jabs were opened to anyone aged 16 or older. In fact, statistics suggest that the vaccination rate in the state has dropped by 50% compared to what it once was.

The question now ahead of state health officials is how to motivate the state's residents to get that jab. Several other states have already pounced on that problem and they are offering what some would consider being some rather creative incentives.

In Ohio vaccinated residents of that state can earn prizes from the lottery. In Connecticut, a completed vaccination series will get you a free drink. Kentucky is offering residents lottery tickets too. In Alabama, residents there could get their shot and then got the chance to drive two laps on the world-famous Talladega Motor Speedway.  While in Maine residents can earn hunting and fishing licenses, passes to state parks, and tickets for sporting events.

So far ten states have adopted incentives such as the ones we've described. Could Louisiana be number 11? Governor Edwards is said to be mulling the idea over but he did mention that he wants to be careful. A few of those states that have offered incentives have had difficulty in actually delivering on those incentives. The Governor wants to make sure that if incentives are offered they will be delivered as promised.

In the meantime, you'll just have to make the best choice for your own health and the health of your family. Obviously, if you haven't gotten your vaccination you still have concerns. Perhaps you can use this information to answer your questions and make a better more informed decision. 

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

 

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