"Vaccinated Individuals Get 10 Cent Beer" Various Vaccine Benefits in the U.S.

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the United States accelerates COVID-19 vaccination efforts, various benefits are being offered to those who have completed their vaccinations, drawing attention.

According to local media such as CNBC and CNN on the 26th (local time), the donut franchise Krispy Kreme will give one donut daily to customers who visit their stores with a COVID-19 vaccination verification card until the end of this year.

Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme's Chief Marketing Officer, explained the purpose of the event, saying, "We want COVID-19 to end as soon as possible," and "We want to support everyone who has contributed to public safety."

The Cleveland Cinemas movie theater chain in Ohio will offer free popcorn to viewers who present a vaccination card until the end of April. A brewery in Cleveland is selling beer for 10 cents (about 110 won) to the first 2,021 vaccinated customers.

There are also places offering free marijuana. In Michigan, where marijuana is legal, a medical marijuana specialty store is providing free marijuana to vaccinated individuals aged 21 and over until the end of this month.

However, experts believe that such benefits may not be the most effective method. According to The New York Times, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) consider using the nudge effect (a gentle intervention to induce behavioral change) to be more cost-effective.

A research official said, "Stickers or badges indicating vaccination completion are a better option," adding, "They can encourage others to get vaccinated."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.