After a year full of tragic news, the country let out a slight sigh of relief when it was announced that a COVID-19 vaccine would be available to the public.
But not everyone shares the same enthusiasm when it comes to the vaccine.
Many are skeptical given the amount of time it took to develop the vaccine, despite countless health officials vouching for its safety.
That's why a local hospital has decided to offer financial compensation for workers who get vaccinated.
When the COVID-19 vaccine became available in the area, Dean Berghorst at Oak Valley Hospital District in Oakdale didn't hesitate.
"You know I care about spending time with my family and getting back to normal now," Berghorst told CBS13.
Not all of his co-workers are on the same page.
Only 40% of the workers at Oak Valley Hospital initially signed up to be vaccinated.
That's when hospital officials decided to offer $300 payments if a worker showed documentation that they got the second dose.
"We want our employees to stay safe and we believe in the vaccine," said hospital CEO John McCormick.
McCormick says he got the idea after seeing another hospital in Texas do the same thing.
"We don't look at it as bribing," he said. "We look at it more as care and a positive incentive.
According to CBS13, more workers have signed up for the vaccine after just a week of offering the cash incentive.
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