Vaccination rates in many rural communities across the North Country remain well below the national average. On the Akwesasne reservation in Northern New York, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is trying something new, incentives, that they hope will convince residents to get vaccinated.
It’s $100 a shot. If you’re over 18, and get a shot, you get a gift card to the casino. And, if you’re under 18, it’s a gift card to Walmart.
As of this past week, the vaccination rate on the reservation is at 49%. Once it hits 50%, there will be an added drawing, for five people to win $1,000. And they plan to do it again, when it hits 60%.