10 residents will win $1.5 million each as part of the $116.5 million budget that includes incentives of cash and prizes for those will get the COVID-19 vaccine. It's estimated to be the largest vaccine incentive in the country.
California officials announced the new "Vax for the Win" program on Thursday in an effort to boost the state's flagging COVID-19 vaccination rate. “Some Californians weren’t ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that’s OK,” Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health and the state’s public health officer, said in a statement. “This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe.”
How do you qualify:
You must receive a least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by June 15, 2021.
Do you need to register?
No. The state has and will maintain records of everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine.
What could I win?
- $1.5 Million Dollars - all California residents who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine by June 15, 2021 will be eligible to win. 10 individuals will receive this prize.
- $50,000 Dollars - all California residents all California residents who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine by June 4, 2021 will be eligible to win. 30 individuals will receive this prize.
- $50 Pre-Paid Gift Card - starting May 27, 2021 the next 2 million California residents to get vaccinated will be eligible to win. The prize will be distributed to winners AFTER they receive their second shot and is only available for new recipients. The gift card will be for use a major grocery store chains throughout the state.
If a winner is under the age of 18, the prize will be put into a saving account until they come of age.
Residents interested in getting in on this opportunity need to get their vaccinations quickly.
June 4:30 winners will be selected to receive $50,000 dollars each
June 15: 10 winners will be selected to receive $1.5 million dollars each
See complete details about the State of California's Vax for the Win Program.
While over 36 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in California with roughly 53.4% if all Californians have received at least one dose, the state's overall vaccination pace has slowed considerably in recent weeks.
As California nears its full reopening date of June 15, there is concern about only half of the population being vaccinated. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom said “We’re doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us fully reopen safely."
The "Vax for the Win" program will be paid for by California's general fund, and governor Newsom intends to tap into money that was set aside for pandemic disaster relief.