I just finished watching Fareed Zakaria's interview with "Nudged" Author Richard Thaler discuss the issue of those who refuse to get vaccinated on CNN this morning. His perspective was direct but easily makes sense, shows he's been closely following the controversy and as he pointed out, some countries and companies have already started doing what he suggested.
His idea is to make it clear to the Unvaccinated life will be much more difficult for them because of their choice. Instead of government-enforced Vaccine Mandates, let the private sector take point and gradually, many holdouts will get vaccinated.
Thaler also makes a strong case for why government-enforced Vaccine Mandates being considered and government-sponsored cash incentives already being offered in many states will simply make the Unvaccinated dig in even more. In France, patrons must present proof of vaccination to eat in a cafe or restaurant. If you're French, it's very likely those places are a core part of your life so...yeah. The U.S. equivalent would be Bars and Pubs.
As for Cash Incentives and Lotteries for those who get vaccinated, Thaler makes the point ANY amount offered by local or state governments will be looked at with suspicion from most of the holdouts. He broke it down further by giving two amounts as an example: "If you offer $10 to people for getting vacinated, they'll just say it's not worth the money. If you offer $1,000 then they'll be really suspicious and say it must have a lot of risks if they're offering that much money." I agree obviously. He also made the point it's a slap in the face to those who got vaccinated earlier this year.
I recently covered this on my sports blog but The NFL currently has the strictest policies for the unvaccinated in the country. First off, the NFL imposed a vaccine mandate for all staff but not players. For now, Unvaccinated players must travel separately from the team. They must also be tested twice a week. Anyone who tests positive must quarantine for 10 days. Starting this season, the NFL is no longer rescheduling games that have to be cancelled due to a breakout. This time, the team that forces the cancellation due to COVID-19 will automatically forfeit and must cover the opposing team's travel expenses. Yikes!
Thaler's point is to leave them to their choice but let them see what that choice is costing them. Gradually, many of them will start to question weather their refusal to be vaccinated is worth being subjected to weekly testing to work or attend college at the least--on their own dime--and being barred from certain places at the most--including children not being able to go to school due to not being vaccinated.
He did say he is open to a kind of vaccine passport but believes the private sector should take point on that. President Biden has ruled out a national vaccine passport--for now--and he wouldn't need to do that since private enterprises are doing that on their own.
All that said. Those who keep saying the government and society is trying to "force" people to get vaccinated are being dramatic, emotional and sensational to stoke fear and outrage. Obviously it's been working up to now but there are now signs that some people are finally starting to calm down and think.
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