California to Offer $116.5 Million in Prizes to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations

California to Offer $116.5 Million in Prizes to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations.

California has launched a new initiative to incentivize residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before June 15.

June 15 is the day California is preparing to fully reopen its economy.

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The initiative, announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, will see $116.5 million in prizes awarded to vaccinated residents.

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Beginning May 27, the first two million people to get the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a $50 gift card for cash or groceries.

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Beginning May 27, the first two million people to get the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a $50 gift card for cash or groceries.

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In addition, vaccinated individuals will be entered in a lottery, with 10 people winning $1.5 million each.

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An additional 30 people will receive $50,000 each.

Some Californians weren't ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that's OK … This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe, Dr. Tomas Aragon, California Department of Public Health Director, via Reuters.

For those who got their vaccines prior to this announcement, Newsom confirmed that they would still be entered in the lottery for the larger prizes.

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Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom, via Reuters