Should Boris pay people to take the jab?

The steady stream of mixed messages coming from government ministers have been one of the few constants during the pandemic. Boris Johnson’s numerous u-turns have been well-documented and widely ridiculed. And while the news that the unvaccinated could be offered ‘kebabs for jabs’ may not constitute a full volte-face, it certainly flies in the face of the government’s ‘junk food’ advertising ban. Young people could now be offered discounts on Big Macs if they get vaccinated, but McDonald’s soon might not be able to promote the product on TV before 9pm or online at all. Where’s the logic in that?

This latest approach on encouraging vaccine uptake makes life difficult for public health experts who are keen on building up the nanny state. Do they get behind the move to persuade youngsters to get jabbed and strengthen our defences against the pandemic, even if it undermines their campaign to clamp down on certain eating habits – such as opting for foods high in fat, sugar or salt – that they deplore? 

Last month, the government announced a ‘junk food’ advertising ban that will damage food producers, clobber the advertising industry and probably have little impact on obesity.