February 5 (Reuters) – Supermarket chain Kroger Co said on Friday that it would give $ 100 to workers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine, joining a growing list of US retailers that encourage employees to get vaccinated against the new coronavirus as soon as possible.
Kroger, which also operates Ralphs and Harris Teeter, among other brands in 35 states, has hired more than 100,000 new workers to meet an increase in demand amid coronavirus blockages.
The company said it will also invest an additional $ 50 million in rewards for members, including a $ 100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly staff.
Other retailers who have taken similar steps to encourage their US employees to get vaccinated include Dollar General, German supermarket chain Aldi, Instacart and Trader Joe’s.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over 75 and essential workers should receive the vaccine at a later stage, after health professionals and nursing home residents. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Editing by Ramakrishnan M.)