Get Vaccinated Before June 15 And Win Chance At $116 Million In Cash, Gift Cards

San Diego CA

27 May, 2021

7:55 PM

Description

By Reuters, Times of San Diego May 27, 2021 California will offer $116.5 million in cash and gift cards to residents who get COVID-19 vaccinations before June 15, the latest — and most lucrative — incentive by U.S. states desperate to persuade laggards and vaccine-skeptics to get the injection. "Californians who have received the vaccine are already entered for cash prizes, and those who haven't yet should get vaccinated ASAP to receive a $50 card and a chance to win cash prizes," said a fact sheet. The move by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is part of an effort to boost vaccinations as the state prepares to fully reopen its economy on June 15. Ten Californians who become inoculated before that date stand to win lottery-style prizes of $1.5 million apiece, while another 30 people will each win $50,000. "Some Californians weren't ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that's OK," said Dr. Tomas Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health. "This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe." The incentives are being offered as Newsom is fighting off a recall campaign that has become a cause celebre among Republicans nationwide. It is one of many ways that Newsom plans to spend an unprecedented state budget surplus. "Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic," Newsom said. Gubernatorial candidate John Cox, the Rancho Santa Fe businessman, was critical of Newsom's promotion of the vaccine lottery. "Thousands of small businesses have closed. Thousands more are on the brink," Cox said in a statement. "Millions of Californians have lost their jobs. Kids are sitting at home instead of in the classroom. Instead of addressing those issues, Gavin Newsom is spending more than $100 million to buy votes before the recall. This is 100 million more reasons that Gavin Newsom must be recalled." Across the United States, states and private organizations have offered incentives to persuade people to become inoculated against COVID-19, which has killed nearly 3.7 people worldwide. The incentives range from free baseball tickets and beer, to college scholarships and cash. On Wednesday, Ohio awarded $1 million to Abbigail Bugenske, a Silverton woman who entered the state's Vax-a-Million drawing. Joseph Costello, a high school student from Inglewood, won a full-ride scholarship, including tuition, books and room and board at an Ohio public university or college. Contributing editor Ken Stone contributed to this report. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.