Russia in the pandemic: with carrot and stick to the vaccination quota

Russia’s government had actually planned to vaccinate 60 percent of the population by the fall. But it will probably miss this goal by a long way. Contests and pressure on companies should give the campaign a boost.

The Russian authorities are trying with carrot and stick to increase the vaccination quota – and sometimes resorting to unconventional methods. In Moscow, for example, a raffle is being held with a French mid-range car to be won. The raffles will be broadcast live on TV.

The moderator emphasized right at the beginning who is entitled to take part: “I would like to remind you that our entire evening event today is about people being able to win a car if they have been vaccinated. Today we are giving away five cars live.” You can even win an apartment in the Russian city of Ufa – but most of the time the rewards are not quite as spectacular.

The authorities can do it differently

If it didn’t work out with the big win, there are still smaller prizes to attract. For example, there are vouchers worth the equivalent of eleven euros for over sixty-year-olds that can be redeemed in pharmacies, shops and restaurants. In other regions of Russia there is also an iPhone, sometimes a little larger monetary gift, but not huge sums of money.

However, the Russian authorities can do otherwise. President Vladimir Putin once again pointed out this week that pressure can also be used if necessary. “Governors and regional leaders have the right, if recommended by the senior medical doctors, to introduce mandatory vaccination for certain groups in the event of a sharp rise in incidence,” he clarified. Several governors have made use of it.

Mandatory vaccination quota for companies

In Moscow and in some other Russian cities, companies in the service sector, trade and transport are obliged to have 60 percent of the workforce fully vaccinated by mid-August. Those who refuse are not allowed to come to work as long as they have not been vaccinated. But then he doesn’t get any money either. Businesses that do not achieve the goal face a fine or even temporary closure.