Tyson Foods in Perry is encouraging its workers to get COVID-19 vaccines by offering incentives. 

Tyson already offers free on-site COVID-19 vaccinations to its employees, which the vaccine isn’t a requirement but is encouraged. More recently, Tyson is offering to compensate its employees with up to four hours of regular pay if they are vaccinated outside of their usual shift or through an external source. 

The meatpacking company expects that roughly 1,000 frontline employees in Illinois, Missouri and Virginia will be vaccinated this week and is prepared to provide more free vaccinations at other locations as more doses of the vaccine become available. 

Also, Tyson is working with the Matrix Medical Network to provide education for its 120,000 U.S. employees about vaccines and is also working with local and state health officials and approved vaccine providers to get access to the vaccines.