All States Offering Vaccine Rewards (Including Cash)
Vaccination rates have stalled , and some states are doing their best to get more gun shots, even if that means giving them free gifts like free park passes, gift cards, or the tempting prospect of winning $ 1 million. And while the campaigns are effective . Here’s a look at what’s on offer and where.
Ohio
The state, dubbed the Vax-a-Million Lottery, awards five separate prizes of $ 1 million each week to randomly selected adults who have received vaccinations. The first draw will take place on May 26, and Ohio residents can visit Ohiovaxamillion.com or call the Ohio Department of Public Health hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH to enter.
In lieu of money, the state is also offering five full scholarships to any Ohio college or university for residents ages 12-18 (more information on this opportunity can be found here ). Ohio is one of the first states to introduce reward-based vaccination incentives, and so far the results look promising ; Vaccination rates have jumped 53% since the program began.
Maryland
Gov. Larry Hogan just announced the government’s VaxCash vaccine lottery; it awards a prize of $ 40,000 each day to a randomly selected adult vaccinated from May 25 to July 3. The promotion then ends on July 4th when one winner will be awarded the $ 400,000 grand prize in the final draw (more information can be found here ).
New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo yesterday announced the state ‘s Vax and Scratch program , which will award New York City lottery tickets with prizes ranging from $ 20 million to $ 5 million to adults vaccinated on May 24-28. Governor Cuomo says the promotion could be extended if successful. More information can be found here . New Yorkers can also enjoy perks such as free admission to the Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Museum, Coney Island Aquarium and more.
Maine
Maine does something a little different – with proof of vaccination by May 31st, residents can choose from a variety of options: a free fishing or hunting license; a wildlife park or state park pass; $ 20 LL Bean Gift Card or an admission ticket to see the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team or the Oxford Plains Speedway race. More information about the “Your Chance for Nature” campaign can be found here .
New Jersey
The state, dubbed Operation Jersey Summer, offers a range of incentives for vaccinated adults, including: a Vax Pass to State Parks, which provides free access to state parks; Free glass of wine at New Jersey wineries and dinner with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy (your experience may be different). All New Jersey residents who received at least one dose of the vaccine by July 4 will be eligible to participate. More information here .
West Virginia
Any West Virginia resident between the ages of 16 and 35 can now register online to receive either a $ 100 savings deposit or a $ 100 gift card. Interestingly, the promotion is retroactive and applies to everyone in this age group who have been or will be vaccinated. More information can be found here .
Kentucky
The government raffle gives COVID-19 vaccine recipients 18 years of age and older a free Cash Ball 225 for a $ 250,000 prize. Time is running out, however, as the program will run until Friday, May 21 (that’s today), or until all tickets have been raffled off. More information here .
Connecticut
Until the end of the month, vaccinated residents are eligible for a free drink at over 300 participating restaurants as part of the #CTDrinksOnUs campaign. More information is availablehere .
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state has a vaccination incentive plan , details of which will be announced next Monday or Tuesday.