Kroger says it will pay workers $100 to get vaccinated against the coronavirus

• Kroger says it will pay employees $100 to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• Those who can’t get vaccinated can take a course for the payment. 
• Retailers like Instacart and Dollar General have also incentivized employees to get vaccinated.
• Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

Kroger announced that it would pay all associates $100 if they get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The reward will be given to employees who get the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the vaccine. 

Those who can’t get vaccinated because of medical or religious reasons can complete a class on educational health and safety to get the payment, the company said. 

“We know that the most effective defense against this pandemic comes in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine and the continuation of the rigorous safety precautions we’ve established across our stores, manufacturing facilities, and supply chain,” Dr. Marc Watkins, Kroger’s chief medical officer said in the announcement. “We are strongly encouraging all customers and associates to receive the vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19, and we’ll do all we can to ensure they have access as soon as it’s available.”

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The announcement said the company, which has stores in 35 states, would invest an additional $50 million “to thank and reward associates” with a $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points available for hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy, and call center workers. 

Earlier this week, however, the company said it would close two grocery stores in Long Beach, California on April 17 after a local ordinance required certain grocery employees to earn extra pay while working during the pandemic, USA Today reported. 

Other retailers have also incentivized employees to get vaccinated. The Wall Street Journal reported that Dollar General offered employees four days’ pay to get the vaccine, while last month, Instacart announced it would pay shift leads, in-store shoppers, and full-service shoppers who get vaccinated $25.