May 20, 2021 - Health

New York offers $5 million lottery shot to newly vaccinated people

Oriana González

Picture of Andrew Cuomo — Photo: Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday that anyone who gets vaccinated in one of the 10 state vaccination sites next week will receive a free lottery scratch ticket for the chance to win a grand prize of $5 million.

Why it matters: Cuomo said New York has inoculated approximately 43% of its population, but that vaccination numbers are "slowing dramatically."

The state of play: The program, named "Vax & Scratch," will only run between May 24 and May 28 and it will offer prizes from $20 to $5 million.

Cuomo said that those who participate have 1 in 9 chance of winning a cash prize.

What he's saying: "Everybody wins," Cuomo said. "You get the vaccine and you win."

The big picture: New York is now joining other states in offering lottery incentives to increase vaccination rates. Last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that the state would have a weekly drawing for five weeks for adults who have received at least one dose, where each week a winner will receive $1 million.

What to watch: Cuomo called the program a "pilot" and added that the state "will make decisions from there."

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New York offers $5 million lottery shot to newly vaccinated people

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