The Biden administration plans to have 70% of American adults receive at least one dose of a vaccine by July 4th, in order to achieve herd immunity.
As the date approaches, state governments and companies have introduced various vaccine incentive measures, including million-dollar lotteries, free college tuition, free admission tickets, free flights, free cruises, and all sorts of dining and entertainment gift packages. There are also opportunities like dining with the governor, and daily lucky draws of $40,000. It's a dizzying array of giveaways, making it feel like getting vaccinated is a win. Today, we've compiled a list of vaccination incentives offered by US states and companies, which is simply overwhelming. In short, America is really going all out to get people vaccinated.
State Government Incentives
California: $100 Million Reward Program
California Governor Gavin announced this Thursday the launch of the nation's most extravagant 'Vax for the Win' vaccine incentive program. As long as you get vaccinated, you have a chance to win a total of $116.5 million in prizes!
This unbelievably generous prize includes:
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A total of $15 million in mega lottery: $1.5 million per person, 10 winners, announced on June 15.
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"$50,000 Fridays": $50,000 per person, 30 winners, drawings on Fridays, June 4 and June 11.
All California residents aged 12 and older who have received at least one dose of the vaccine will automatically be entered into the drawings.
If you're worried about not winning the lottery, don't fret. The California government has thoughtfully prepared a small gift: a $50 gift card.
The first 2 million California residents aged 12 and older who get vaccinated on or after May 27 will receive a $50 gift card and will also automatically be entered into the mega lottery drawing.
Basically, everyone wins! Students in California can look forward to the prize drawing in June.
Ohio: Million-Dollar Lottery and Free College Tuition
To encourage residents to get vaccinated, Ohio launched the 'Vax-a-Million' lottery incentive program. It includes:
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Youth aged 12 to 17 have a chance to win a full four-year college scholarship, including tuition, fees, and room and board, for any Ohio university.
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Adults aged 18 and over can enter a $1 million lottery.
All Ohio residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine are eligible. The lottery will run from May 18 to June 20, with drawings for five consecutive weeks.
This Wednesday, the first batch of lucky winners has been selected. One is Abbey Bugenske, a recent college graduate. The 22-year-old was considering whether to buy a used car in the morning and found herself a millionaire by evening.
Another lucky winner is 14-year-old Joseph Costello, who will receive a full four-year college scholarship. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his wife even visited his home to congratulate him and take a photo together.
New York: Free College Tuition and Million-Dollar Lottery
New York State also offers a dual incentive of four-year tuition and a mega lottery prize.
On May 26, Governor Cuomo announced that all New York State youth aged 12 to 17 who receive one dose of the Pfizer vaccine between May 27 and July 7 will have a chance to win a full four-year scholarship to a SUNY or CUNY school, along with room and board subsidies.
According to estimates by The New York Times, this could save winning families at least $20,000 per year in tuition and fees.
Additionally, Governor Cuomo previously announced the 'Vax and Scratch' vaccination incentive program, where adults aged 18 and over have a chance to win a $5 million lottery prize!
Ten vaccination sites in New York City, Long Island, the Mid-Hudson region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, and Western New York are participating in the lottery. These sites are open from May 24 to May 28.
Anyone who receives their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at these sites will receive one free lottery entry. Prizes range across 15 tiers, with a top prize of $5 million.
New York City: Free Shake Shack, Subway Cards, and Free Tickets
In addition to the state's grand prizes, New York City has also rolled out a dazzling vaccination gift package, including free Shake Shack, subway cards, free tickets to various popular attractions, and more.
New York City residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine can present their vaccination card at select Shake Shack locations to get a free order of Shake Shack's signature fries with the purchase of a burger or sandwich. This offer runs through June 12.
Additionally, New Yorkers who get vaccinated at a mobile vaccine van can receive a free Shake Shack burger voucher.
The New York City MTA has set up vaccination sites at multiple subway stations where you can get the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine without an appointment. You'll also receive a free 7-day unlimited MetroCard or two one-way Commuter Rail tickets. This offer runs through June 5.
Additionally, New York City residents who get vaccinated on or after May 25 can receive various free tickets, memberships, etc. Choose one of the following rewards:
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Free tickets to the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York Botanical Garden, or Lincoln Center.
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Free tickets to NYC Football Club, Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games, NYC Ferry, Top of the Rock, or the Statue of Liberty.
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An annual membership to the Public Theater, a two-week Citi Bike membership, or a Snug Harbor family membership.
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A $25 gift card.
New Jersey: Dining and Entertainment Package
New Jersey launched the 'Operation Jersey Summer' series of vaccine incentives. It includes:
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Free beer or wine tasting: for state residents aged 21 and over who get vaccinated in May.
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Dinner with the Governor and First Lady: for state residents aged 18 and over who have received at least one dose.
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State park passes: Free admission or parking at all state parks from May 27 to December 31, for state residents who get at least one dose by July 4.
Colorado: Weekly $1 Million Lottery
Colorado introduced the 'Colorado Comeback Cash' vaccine lottery. From June 4 to July 5, for five weeks, one lucky winner will be randomly selected each week to receive $1 million!
All state residents aged 18 and older who have received at least one dose of the vaccine are automatically entered.
Maryland: Daily $40,000 Drawings
Maryland launched the $2 million 'VaxCash' vaccine lottery, with a top prize of $400,000!
From May 25 to July 3, one vaccinated Maryland resident aged 18 or older will be automatically drawn each day to receive $40,000.
On July 4, a grand prize drawing will award $400,000 to one lucky winner.
Oregon: Million-Dollar Lottery and College Scholarships
Oregon Governor Brown announced that all state residents who receive at least one dose of the vaccine by June 27 can participate in the 'Take Your Shot Oregon' campaign, with prizes including:
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One $1 million prize (must be 18 or older).
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Five $100,000 college scholarships (ages 12-17).
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One person from each county will win $10,000.
Maine: Outdoor Adventure Package
Maine's vaccine incentives are a series of outdoor recreation rewards.
Until May 31, Maine residents aged 18 and older who have received one dose of the vaccine can choose one of the following rewards:
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Fishing license
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Hunting license
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Maine Wildlife Park pass
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Maine State Park day pass
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$20 L.L.Bean gift card
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Sea Dogs tickets
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Oxford Plains Speedway tickets
Minnesota: Summer Fun Package
Minnesota launched the 'Your Shot to Summer' vaccine incentive campaign. The first 100,000 Minnesota residents aged 12 and older who get vaccinated between May 17 and June 30 will receive a reward.
Choose one of nine rewards, including: aquarium tickets, Nickelodeon Universe tickets, state park passes, a state park annual parking pass, a free fishing license, Northwoods League baseball tickets, State Fair tickets, a Valleyfair single-day pass, or a $25 Visa gift card.
In addition, Connecticut, Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, and others have also implemented various vaccine incentives, including free beer, free tickets, and gift cards.
Corporate Incentives
In addition to the state-sponsored million-dollar lotteries, free tuition, and entertainment packages, some American companies have also introduced generous vaccine incentives.
United Airlines: Free Flights
United Airlines launched the 'Your Shot to Fly' free flight sweepstakes, offering a chance to win free flights for a year! Simply upload your vaccination card on United's website by June 22 to enter. Prizes include:
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5 Grand prizes: Free flights for a year for you and a companion, to any destination worldwide, any class of service. Drawn randomly on July 1.
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30 Runner-up prizes: A pair of free round-trip tickets to any destination in the US, any class of service. Drawn randomly in June.
CVS: Travel Extravaganza
CVS, in partnership with multiple companies and organizations, has launched the 'OneStepCloser' series of vaccine rewards, including free cruises, free tropical vacations, and a Super Bowl VIP experience!
The campaign runs from June 1 for six weeks. Anyone aged 18 and older who gets vaccinated at CVS by July 10 is eligible to enter the drawing.
The following are the detailed sponsoring companies and rewards:
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CVS Health: $500 rewards (125 winners), $5,000 grand prize (5 winners).
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Norwegian Cruise Line: 7-day cruise for two (100 winners), destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, etc.
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Procter & Gamble: VIP trip for two to the Super Bowl, including airfare to Los Angeles, hotel, and game tickets.
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Unilever: 'Night Out' coupon book for free Unilever products (250 winners); grand prize: 2 tickets to the NCAA Final Four.
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Bermuda Tourism Authority: 3-night/4-day trip for two, including airfare, luxury hotel, and round-trip transportation (5 prizes).
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Hinge: $100 gift cards (500 winners), $5,000 gift card (1 winner).
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iHeartMedia: VIP package for two to the iHeartRadio Music Festival, including first-class airfare, hotel, floor seats, backstage access, and artist meet-and-greets.
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smarTours: Trip for two to any global destination (6 winners); grand prize also includes airfare (1 winner).
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Wyndham Rewards: 2-night weekend getaway for Platinum members (5 winners); grand prize: 7-night vacation for Diamond members (1 winner).
Uber and Lyft: Free Rides
Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to and from vaccination appointments. The offer runs from May 24 to July 4, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Uber: 4 free rides, up to $25 each.
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Lyft: 2 free rides, up to $15 each.
With all these dazzling rewards, are you tempted?
The US is really going all out to promote nationwide vaccination. Truth be told, even without these incentives, getting vaccinated is for your own health. Many students in the US have shared that they had various concerns before getting the shot, but felt much safer and more at ease afterward.
For those who haven't yet been vaccinated, schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Not only will you be effectively fighting COVID-19, but you might also be the next lucky million-dollar winner.
Good luck!
