Vaccination rates have stalled, and some states are doing whatever it takes to get more shots into arms, even if that means paying them off with freebies like free passes to parks, gift cards, or the tantalizing prospect of winning $1 million. And so far, the campaigns are having an effect. Here’s a look at what’s on offer, and where.
Ohio
Dubbed the “Vax-a-Million” lottery, the state is awarding five separate prizes of $1 million each week to randomly selected adult Ohions who get vaccinated. The first draw is May 26, and to enter, Ohio residents can visit Ohiovaxamillion.com or call the Ohio Department of Health hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
In lieu of cash, the state is also offering five full-ride scholarships to any Ohio state college or university to residents between ages of 12 to 18 (more details on that opportunity can be found here). Ohio one of the earliest states to adopt award-based vaccination incentives, and so far the results looks promising; vaccination rates have jumped by 53% since the program began.
Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan just announced the state’s “VaxCash” vaccine lottery, too; it awards a $40,000 prize every day to a randomly selected adult resident vaccinated from May 25 to July 3. Then promotion wraps up on the Fourth of July, when a final drawing will award one winner a grand prize of $400,000 (more information can be found here).
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New York
Yesterday Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the state’s “Vax and Scratch” program, which will award New York Lottery tickets with prizes that range from $20 to $5 million to adult residents vaccinated May 24–28. Governor Cuomo says the promotion might be extended if it’s successful. More details can be found here. New York City residents can also enjoy perks like free admission to the Bronx Zoo, the Brooklyn Museum, Coney Island Aquarium, and more.
Maine
Maine is doing something a little different—with proof of vaccination before May 31, residents can choose from a variety of options: a free fishing or hunting license; a wildlife park or state park pass; a $20 L.L. Bean gift card; or an admission ticket to see the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team or the Oxford Plains Speedway races. More details on the “Your Shot to Get Outdoors” promotion can be found here.
New Jersey
Dubbed “Operation Jersey Summer,” the state is offering an array of incentives for vaccinated adults, including: a State Parks Vax Pass, which provides free access to state parks; a free glass of wine at participating New Jersey wineries; and dinner with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy (your mileage may vary on this one). All New Jersey residents who receive at least one dose of their vaccination by July 4 will qualify. More details are here.
West Virginia
Any West Virginia resident between the ages of 16 and 35 can now register online to receive either a $100 savings bond or a $100 gift card. Interestingly, the promotion is retroactive, and applies to anyone in that age group who has been or will be vaccinated. More info can be found here.
Kentucky
The state’s lottery is giving a free Cash Ball 225 ticket to COVID-19 vaccine recipients ages 18 and older, for a prize worth $250,000. Time is running out, however, as the program runs until Friday, May 21 (that’s today), or until all the tickets are given away. More details are here.
Connecticut
Until the end of the month, vaccinated residents are eligible for a free drink at over 300 participating restaurants as part of a #CTDrinksOnUs campaign. More info is available here.
California
Governor Gavin Newsome says the state has a plan to incentivize vaccinations, the details of which will be announced this coming Monday or Tuesday.
