Texas hospital offers workers $500 bonus to get COVID-19 vaccine

One of the largest health care centers in Texas is offering workers a $500 “bonus” if they get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a report Wednesday.

Employees at Houston Methodist — the state’s third-biggest hospital system with 26,000 employees  — is doling out the dough as a “thank you” for hard work during the coronavirus crisis, according to CNN.

“Eligibility criteria will include getting a COVID-19 vaccination, fulfilling our obligation as health care workers to lead the community,” hospital president Marc Boom wrote in an email obtained by the outlet.

“This bonus is a thank you for your perseverance throughout a difficult 2020 as well as something to look forward to, to provide hope, during the next couple of challenging months.”

He added that vaccinations aren’t currently required for workers at the hospital — but  eventually will be.

It wasn’t immediately clear if any of the health care staffers have objected to the policy. But in New York, around 30 percent of medical workers have refused the vaccine, according to officials.

At the Texas hospital, 55 percent of workers have been vaccinated since it began administering the jabs on December 15, a hospital rep told the station.

In November, workers at the hospital also received a $500 bonus for their work during the pandemic. 

via: https://nypost.com/2021/01/06/texas-hospital-offers-workers-500-to-get-covid-19-vaccine/

Photo Credit: @GregAbbott_TX