ONEIDA NATION, Wis. (NBC 26) -- From cruises to million-dollar prizes, to even free donuts; the incentives to get people vaccinated continues to sprout up in communities large and small. Now, just this week, the Oneida nation is getting in on the incentives to get folks vaccinated.
With Covid cases continuing to rise in the Oneida nation and across Wisconsin, tribal health care leaders are getting on board in offering a lucrative incentive for folks to get vaccinated.
"Anyone 14-years-old and over, once they get vaccinated, if they are an enrolled member of the tribe, they are eligible for a $500 incentive if they complete the full series of their vaccinations," says Debbie Danforth, Oneida's Comprehensive Health Division Director of Operations.
Danforth says at this point about 50 percent of the Oneida nation is fully vaccinated, and they too can reap the benefits of having gotten the shot.
"So if they can provide us proof, they have completed the series, we will validate that information with the state and that makes them eligible for the reimbursement for $500," says Danforth.
But the $500 dollar bonus incentive doesn't only apply to folks who are members of the Oneida nation, it also applies to anyone who works for the tribe.
"The reason we included the employees, is because the employee base provides the services to our community. We want to make sure our community is safe."
And with the Oneida nation's population sitting at about 20-thousand people, even if just half of the population is rewarded for getting vaccinated that means the tribe could dish out over 5-million dollars.
"We're hoping we can stop it (Covid) where it is. With the increase in vaccinations hopefully, we can get a better handle on it," adds Danforth.
You can check out the Oneida nation's website to find out how those who are eligible can redeem incentives related to getting vaccinated.
