Mike Parson, the state Governor for Missouri, has revealed that the state’s vaccine lottery to entice people to take up the offer of a coronavirus jab is working after it was announced that nearly 500k people have signed up for the lottery.
The vaccine lottery program has been designed to incentivise people in Missouri to take a shot of the coronavirus vaccine as well as reward those who have already been vaccinated. According to state figures, there were 495,296 entries as of August 13.
“MO VIP is playing a role in driving up vaccinations in our state,” Parsons said in a statement. “We’re excited to celebrate the winners and their choice to become vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Since the program launched on July 21, over 300,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered, according to state figures. In the same period, around 180,000 people have booked to get a jab.
In the lottery, 900 winners will be declared and each will win $10,000. The first draw has already taken place, though details of winners were not disclosed, whilst the program is set to last until the Autumn.