Governor Roy Cooper announced Thursday a new cash drawing incentive for COVID-19 vaccinations, giving four North Carolinians a chance to win $1 million just for being vaccinated.
North Carolinians aged 18 and over who get a vaccine or have gotten a vaccine will automatically be entered for a chance to win $1 million. In addition, four people aged 12-17 will be entered into a drawing to win $125,000 toward a college education at a school of their choice.
“Regardless of who wins there is no way to lose,” Cooper said. “A chance at a million dollars or a college scholarship is pretty good motivation but even if your name is not drawn the worst, you’ll do is getting strong protection against a deadly virus.”
Drawings will begin June 23 and occur every other week through August 4. Cooper said anyone who receives a vaccine going forward will be entered twice for each drawing – a further incentive for unvaccinated people to get their shot.
“Getting that first shot now will double your chances each time a name is picked,” the governor said. “Of course, the best reason to get vaccinated is to protect yourself, your friends, and your family.”
Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mandy Cohen echoed Cooper’s comments.
“Everyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccine is a winner,” Cohen said. “They protect themselves, their loved ones and others from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.”
North Carolina joins several other states like Ohio, New York, and Maryland in offering cash lottery incentives. Cohen said increased vaccination rates in those states have proven incentives like these are working.
“Ohio was the first state to launch such a program and they reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following their announcement,” Cohen said. “So now as part of North Carolina’s bringing summer back campaign, North Carolinians can also win.”
According to the Governor’s office, 2.5 million adults in North Carolina are still unvaccinated. Prior to the cash drawings, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched a Summer Cash Card program in four counties as another incentive.
Those getting a first dose or driving someone to get a shot can receive a $25 dollar cash card. More counties are set to be added to this program in coming weeks.
For more information on new COVID-19 incentive programs, click here.
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