MPs say EUR 100 vaccination incentive payment could be expanded

MPs Jurgita Sejoniene of the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats and Aurelijus Veryga of the Farmers and Greens Union said on Tuesday that the 100-euro vaccination incentive payment program has proven to be effective and could be continued and expanded to include other age groups.

"I remember that when we had a discussion at the [parliamentary] Committee on Health Affairs, it was said that if the measure was successful, the Seimas should return [to the issue] and broaden the age group [of eligible people]. This is what should be done without much delay," Veryga said.

Sejoniene agreed that the program should be expanded.

"Since this measure has already [...] had an effect, it is definitely necessary to consider both expanding this measure to include additional age groups and extending the deadline", she said.

The Health Ministry says that the vaccination rate among eligible seniors has risen by around 30 percent following the launch of the incentive program.

The government is now offering a one-time payment of 100 euros to persons aged 75 and over who get fully vaccinated between early September and late November, and fully inoculated seniors who take their booster shot by the end of March.