Covid vaccine incentive scheme looked at

The Scottish Government is “looking carefully” at a possible incentive scheme to encourage people to take the Covid vaccine.

Earlier this month the UK Government announced partnerships with the likes of Uber and Deliveroo to offer discounts to people getting the jab.

It also said vouchers or money-off codes could be handed out at vaccine sites.

Incentive schemes are in place in many other countries – with some offering lotteries for luxury homes and cars, and others turning to sacks of rice, hunting rifles and even live chickens.

Overall, 90% of Scotland’s adult population has received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, and 75% have had both.

But there are concerns about uptake in the 18 to 29-year-old age group.

While everyone in that demographic has been offered at least one dose, the latest stats show just threequarters have taken it up so far.

Many are still awaiting appointments for their second dose, with less than 30% having received it so far.

Last week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said uptake in the age group “has been good, relative to our initial expectations, but we want it to be better”.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The vaccination programme has been one of the fastest in the world with 90% of the adult population having received their first dose – far beyond our planning assumption of 80% – and so far 75% have received their second dose.

“We are always keen to explore ways to increase the vaccination rate and are looking carefully at appropriate incentive schemes.”