I don't think it's meant to convince them. It's a cost offset for people who have external costs associated with getting vaccinated. I.e. hourly people who are worried they'll have a bad reaction to the second vaccine and need a day off, but will still have to pay rent. Maybe some other people need Ubers to get to their vaccination.
It might also motivate those who are okay with the vaccination, but haven't taken any action yet. I.e. college students who have good natural immunity.
On the TANSTAAFL front, there are second order effects. I would bet it's cheaper to pay someone $100 and reduce their risk of hospitalization than it is to deal with them eventually getting COVID and potential bankruptcy from medical bills. There are also economic effects if we need lockdowns again, and those could reduce tax income.
I get peoples' wariness about a free gift from the government, but not everything is a zero sum game.
It might also motivate those who are okay with the vaccination, but haven't taken any action yet. I.e. college students who have good natural immunity.
On the TANSTAAFL front, there are second order effects. I would bet it's cheaper to pay someone $100 and reduce their risk of hospitalization than it is to deal with them eventually getting COVID and potential bankruptcy from medical bills. There are also economic effects if we need lockdowns again, and those could reduce tax income.
I get peoples' wariness about a free gift from the government, but not everything is a zero sum game.