• Businesses are free to run competitions and reward schemes for Australians fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the nation’s medicines watchdog says.
• In a Monday statement, the Therapeutic Goods Administration gave the green light to rewards like “store vouchers, discounts or frequent flyer points”.
• Qantas has already revealed plans to offer such rewards, as hard-hit businesses attempt to combat vaccine hesitancy nationwide.
• Visit Business Insider Australia’s homepage for more stories.

Australians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will soon enjoy benefits beyond protection against the deadly disease, after the national medicines watchdog ruled private companies can run reward schemes and competitions to boost vaccine uptake.

On Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) formally approved the use of business-led incentives, targeted at Australians who’ve received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Such rewards can be monetary or for example, include store vouchers, discounts or frequent flyer points,” the TGA said.

Businesses are free to determine if those rewards and competitions are open to vaccinated employees, members of an existing rewards system or club, or the broader vaccinated population.

Some restrictions apply. Firms cannot offer alcohol, tobacco, or medicines, other than those listed by the TGA. In addition, participating firms must not discriminate between vaccines, meaning someone fully immunised with the AstraZeneca formulation will not receive preferential treatment to those jabbed with Pfizer, or visa versa.

The decision comes as Australia’s vaccination rollout struggles to reach the federal government’s long-abandoned targets. Supply chain disruptions, changing health advice, and hesitancy among some sectors of the community has left just 2.9% of the eligible adult population fully vaccinated.

Beyond the public health benefits of a fully-vaccinated population, major businesses which which have suffered under lengthy border closures and density restrictions are eager to drive the vaccination rate.

Qantas, which posted a $1.08 billion half-year loss in February after travel restrictions grounded plans worldwide, has publicly revealed plans to hold a competition for vaccinated travelers.

The airline said it will offer prizes like unlimited travel for a year, free hotel accommodation, and Frequent Flyer points, to those who can demonstrate they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Jurisdictions overseas have made headlines for running similar competitions. The U.S. state of Ohio’s Vax-a-Million lottery scheme, offering US$1 million (AU$1.29 million) to fully vaccinated residents, has already drawn several winners — and caused an appreciable uptick in vaccinations.

Separately, the TGA also provided guidance on how private entities can communicate the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, in an attempt to counter misinformation and hesitancy rippling through the community.

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