VDOC promises incentives to prison inmates for COVID vaccination

The Virginia Department of Corrections is offering incentives to inmates who get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

Corrections Director Harold Clarke said the bonuses for the prisoners include free email stamps, telephone credits, and a care package from prison commissaries beginning in March.

The agency began administering shots to prisoners and staff members last week. As of January 15, 648 inmates had received their vaccination.

VDOC reports 878 prisoners in Southwest Virginia are being treated for the virus including 224 at the Pocahontas State Correctional Center in Tazewell County. More than 8,000 inmates across the state have tested positive for COVID.

(IMAGE: PDP)