Los Angeles (AP) —California is the country’s largest vaccine prize of 116.5 million in an attempt to further inoculate millions of vaccines before the most populous US state fully reopens next month. Donate dollars.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the prize money on Thursday. This includes $ 1.5 million, the highest single vaccine award in the country. Those who have already been vaccinated are eligible.
“We reserve more resources than any other state in the United States and offer vaccinated people the greatest prizes in any other state in the United States,” Newsom said in Los Angeles. Speaking from the site.
The state estimates that approximately 12 million Californians over the age of 12 have not been vaccinated. Approximately 63% of the 34 million eligible people have been vaccinated, although the pace has slowed significantly in recent weeks as infection rates have fallen to record lows.
The reopening of California is scheduled for June 15, and a draw will be held to award the top prizes to the 10 vaccinated people on that day. Newsam said he hopes the award will ensure that more than 70% of the target population will be vaccinated by the time the state reopens.
“It’s all about incentives and momentum,” Newsom said.
An additional 30 people will each win $ 50,000 and these draws will begin on June 4th. Anyone over the age of 12 who has received at least one shot is eligible. The next two million vaccinated people will receive a $ 50 gift card. Newsam said he would like to distribute all of these gift cards by June 15.
Ohio announced this week the first $ 1 million winner of the “Vax-a-Million” contest and the first child to win a full college scholarship. Colorado and Oregon also offered $ 1 million in prize money.
New York is soliciting 50 full scholarships for children aged 12 to 17 from public universities and junior colleges in the state, choosing 10 winners each on the next five Wednesdays.
California’s focus on prize money to encourage vaccination is that people in California sought shots earlier this year, driving cars and taking shots in line for hours. It shows a big shift from time to time.
“Some Californians weren’t ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine on day one, but that’s okay. This program is special to get vaccinated and keep California safe. It’s designed to encourage people in need, “said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, director of the state’s Department of Public Health, in a statement.
Newsome’s office said the program was aimed at reaching people in the community that were hit hardest by the pandemic, primarily low-income, black and Latino people, but was funded to meet that goal. It was not immediately clear how it would be adjusted.
California uses the Vaccine Fairness Metrics to track the progress of vaccination, which divides the zip code into four groups, from the least favorable group to the most favorable group. According to the state, nearly half of the people living in the most disadvantaged areas have not yet been vaccinated.
In contrast, less than a quarter of people living in the most privileged areas are not vaccinated.
Of all Latino Americans, 57% have not yet been vaccinated. This is the highest percentage of any race or ethnic group. According to state figures, 40% of white people in California are not vaccinated.