It's genius. US should do a federal one.

I liked the idea of paying people to get vaccinated [1], but since that encountered public opposition, this is the next best thing.

[1] https://www.npr.org/2021/01/13/955594105/should-the-governme...

I think if the feds offered $100 to get vaccinated that uptake would go way up.

Or it could give people who are already suspect of government more reason to avoid the vaccine.

A stranger on the sidewalk is giving away free cookies. If in addition they offer $100 to each person who eats one, does that make me more, or less likely to accept a cookie?

I don't think the public's interest is in question here (well, at least not in this particular argument).

I think the point is about how much you trust the person handing out the cookies/vaccine and money. There are plenty of people who trust the government about as much (or less) than a random stranger.